Emergency Eyewash-Safety Shower.docVIP

EMERGENCY EYEWASH/SAFETY SHOWER 1.0 Purpose This procedure is designed to ensure adequate protection is available to all SII employees and contractors. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has issued performance standards and guidelines concerning the design, installation, and use of eyewash and safety shower units (ANSI Z358.1-1981). This document summarizes many of the issues located in the ANSI standard and is to be utilized to ensure the correct installation, use, and maintenance of the units. A copy of the ANSI standard is located in Appendix A. Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. Scope This procedure applies to all NYS SII facilities. References ANSI Z358.1-1990 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 - Eye Flushing OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1048(i) – Hygiene Protection Definitions Combination Unit: A unit containing a shower and eyewash or eyewash/face unit. Emergency Shower: A unit, which enables the user to cascade water over the entire body. Eye/face Wash: A unit, which enables the user to irrigate and flush both the face and eyes. Eyewash: A unit, which enables the user to irrigate and flush the eyes. Flushing Fluid: Potable water or other medically acceptable solution. Installation Specifications General Installation: The following general specifications apply to eyewash, safety shower, and combination units: The height of showerheads shall be between 82 and 96 inches from the ground from where the user stands. The safety shower units shall be installed away from barriers or obstructions such that the center of the shower spray pattern is located a minimum of 16 inches from the nearest equipment. The safety shower actuators shall be located no more than 69 inches from the ground where the user stands. The eyewash units shal