AN EYEWASH STATION IS REQUIRED IF: :
AN EYEWASH STATION IS REQUIRED IF: The Material Safety Data Sheet indicates a chemical in use is caustic, toxic, or corrosive.
The MSDS informs that serious eye damage may result.
Warnings such as "causes chemical burns" or "causes permanent eye damage" are posted on container labels.
AN EYEWASH STATION MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING: :
AN EYEWASH STATION MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING: Pure clean water
Hands free operation
Constant water flow rate for a full 15 minutes
Highly visible markings and signs
Unobstructed access
ACCESSIBILITY: :
ACCESSIBILITY: The single most important treatment for chemically-burned eyes is copious irrigation within seconds of injury.
This means that victims should not have to climb over or around obstacles to find the eyewash station.
Make sure there are no barriers to the unit.
CLEAN AND FUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT: :
CLEAN AND FUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT: Portable eyewash units are an option in areas where plumbed in water is not accessible or of high enough quality.
Portable units also need an anti-bacterial additive to ensure proper water sanitation.
Flushing with any water is better than none, but purified water reduces potential for secondary eye infections
TRAINING IN PROPER USE: :
TRAINING IN PROPER USE: Immediately after the accident, flood the eye with water or eyewash solution, using fingers to keep the eye open as wide as possible
Roll the eyeball as much as possible, to remove any loose particles retained under the eyelids. Do not put anything except water into the eyes to remove particles.
The eyes should be irrigated for at least 15 minutes, and the victim transported to a medical facility immediately.