Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY EYEWASH AND SHOWERS FOR TULANE LABORATORY OR FACILITY EMPLOYEES WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR CHEMICAL SPLASH TO THE EYES OR SKIN January, 2005

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) OBJECTIVES To review the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) guidelines for emergency showers, plumbed eyewashes, personal eyewashes, and drench hoses To review concerns noted during OEHS inspections To review responsibilities and the need for testing of emergency showers and eyewash equipment

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY SHOWERS THE FOLLOWING ARE ANSI GUIDELINES: Showers shall be no more than 10 seconds from the hazard. Showers shall be located on the same level as the hazard, and the path of travel shall be free of obstructions. Showers shall be identified with a highly visible sign.

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY SHOWERS THE FOLLOWING ARE ANSI GUIDELINES: Valve actuators shall be not more than 69 inches above the level on which the user stands. (Note: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that shower handles extend to 48 inches from the floor.) The valve shall remain on without requiring use of operator’s hands until intentionally shut off. Showers shall deliver 20 gal/min of tepid water for a minimum 15 minute period. There is no mention of floor drains in the ANSI Standards. They are not required.

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY EYEWASHES THE FOLLOWING ARE ANSI GUIDELINES: Eyewashes shall be no more than 10 seconds from the hazard, and shall be immediately adjacent for a strong acid or caustic. Eyewashes shall be located on the same level as the hazard and the path of travel shall be free of obstructions. Eyewashes shall be identified with a highly visible sign.

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY EYEWASHES THE FOLLOWING ARE ANSI GUIDELINES: Eyewashes shall deliver 0.4 gal/min of tepid water for a minimum 15 minutes. They shall provide flushing fluid to both eyes simultaneously. Nozzles shall be protected from airborne contaminants, and removal shall not require a separate motion by the activator of the unit.

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY EYEWASHES THE FOLLOWING ARE ANSI GUIDELINES: The valve shall remain on without requiring use of the operator’s hands until intentionally shut off. Plumbed equipment shall be activated weekly to verify proper operation.

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) PERSONAL EYEWASH EQUIPMENT (such as squeeze bottles of flushing solution) THE FOLLOWING ARE ANSI GUIDELINES: Personal eyewash equipment supports plumbed and self-contained units, but shall not replace them. Instructions and expiration date shall be permanently affixed to the unit. Flushing fluid temperature shall be tepid. A personal eyewash may be kept in the immediate vicinity of a potential hazard, but after immediate flushing, the injured person should proceed to a plumbed eyewash for the required 15-minute period.

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) PERSONAL EYEWASH EQUIPMENT (such as squeeze bottles of flushing solution) OEHS does not recommend personal eyewash equipment because it does not supply a 15-minute supply of water to properly wash the eyes in an emergency. Personal eyewash equipment may be used in field areas where there is no water source until the person can get to a proper eyewash station – however, the equipment must be maintained (no expired date on flushing solution, bottle kept clean and free of debris, etc.)

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) HAND-HELD DRENCH HOSES THE FOLLOWING ARE ANSI GUIDELINES: Hand-held drench hoses provide support for emergency shower and eyewash units but shall not replace them. Drench hoses shall be identified with a highly visible sign. Drench hoses shall deliver a minimum of 3 gal/min of flushing fluid for a minimum of 15 minutes. Delivered flushing fluid temperature shall be tepid. Plumbed equipment shall be activated weekly to verify proper operation.

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) TESTING EMERGENCY EYEWASHES AND SHOWERS ANSI recommends eyewashes and drench hoses be activated weekly. At Tulane, this is the responsibility of the PI or supervisor of the area. Problems should be reported to Facilities Services. Weekly flushing of plumbed eyewash stations is critical to lower bacterial contamination and to remove impurities in the plumbing lines. Showers must be tested at least annually by Facilities Services.

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY EYEWASHES AND SHOWERS CONCERNS NOTED DURING ANNUAL OEHS INSPECTIONS: Equipment located too far away (>10 seconds away) in hazardous areas (esp. if corrosives or formaldehyde are used) Signage or inspection tags are needed Equipment not being inspected on a regular basis Plastic eyewash bottles are dirty or have expired solutions

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY EYEWASHES AND SHOWERS CONCERNS NOTED DURING ANNUAL OEHS INSPECTIONS: Obstructions are preventing access to equipment Shower pull chain is too high Eyewash located in radioactive sink Eyewash or shower is needed in work area due to use of corrosives or irritants Plumbed eyewash or shower needed, but only drench hose or personal eyewash bottle available

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY EYEWASHES AND SHOWERS If signage or inspection tags are needed for an eyewash or shower in your area, contact OEHS. For additional information on eyewashes or emergency showers, see the OEHS Policies and Procedures Manual which can be found on the OEHS website,

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) EMERGENCY EYEWASHES AND SHOWERS - SUMMARY Plumbed emergency eyewash and shower equipment is needed in work areas where corrosive or irritating chemicals are used. Eyewash/shower equipment needs to be easily located, unobstructed, tested and maintained. ANSI guidelines give details on the requirements and proper operation of emergency eyewash and shower equipment.

Tulane University Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) Pam Fatland, Chemical Safety Manager (504) / If unable to proceed to quiz, type the link below into your browser Proceed to Quiz