Safety Showers

Ceiling Shower – This type is located overhead and is typically activated by a chain or lever.

Floor-mounted Combination Safety Shower/Eye Wash – This is a combination of a safety shower, an eye wash and in some cases a drench hose.

Deck mounted drench hose – Located on a lab bench, this type of safety shower is usually a hand held, squeeze handle activated unit, and is useful in spot-washing.

Eye Washes

Gravity Feed, Self Contained – These are stand-alone units with the water supply provided by pre-filled water tanks. They provide the worker with emergency eye wash treatment in areas of the building or plant inaccessible to plumbing.

Faucet-mounted – Provides continuous water flow while freeing hands to pin eyelids. It turns a standard faucet into a practical emergency eye wash station.

Laboratory Bench – Sprays with a squeeze handle and can be installed through the bench top for instant availability.

Swivel Eye Wash – Mounts on lab bench or counter top adjacent to sink. It swivels 90 degrees over the sink for use, or out of the way for storage.

Bowl mounted – Provides continuous water flow through a freestanding plumbed unit. The bowl may be directed to a floor drain or connected directly to a sewer connection for easy testing and use.

Get started by taking the following steps:

• When working with chemicals, check their safety data sheets for first aid instructions
• Select eyewash equipment: plumbed if water source is available, and self-contained if there is no water source
• Place eyewash stations in proper locations, within a 10-second walking distance (about 55 feet) from a hazardous area. This is a new requirement as of 2016, so be sure to check the locations of your stations!
• Make sure all parts work properly: valves, heads, and drainage system
• Use potable water, i.e. water that is safe for drinking
• Use tepid water: 60-100°F
• Ensure eyewash uses correct water pressure: 0.4 gallons per minute for 15 minutes
• Train employees on how to use an eyewash station
• Label equipment and routes with appropriate signs
• Test eyewash regularly: turn the system on once a week to flush the water

Installation

Must be located in an area that requires no more than 10 seconds to reach (consult a medical professional to determine the appropriate distance for harsh acids and caustics; high hazard=closer distance)
Located in a well-lit area and identified with a sign
Located on the same level as the hazard
Path of travel must be free of obstructions
If shut-off valves are installed in the supply line for maintenance purposes, provisions must be made to prevent unauthorized shut off