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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 592 HS - Emergency Eyewashes and Showers - 1 - PR.592.HS PROCEDURE PR.592.HS TITLE: EMERGENCY EYEWASHES AND SHOWERS Date issued: August 1999 Last revised: 08 April 2014 Authorization: Senior Staff: 30 June 1999 1.0 OBJECTIVE To ensure that approved emergency eyewashes and emergency showers are provided and maintained wherever there is a risk of eye and/or skin injury due to a hazardous chemical or biological substance. 2.0 DEFINITIONS In this procedure, 2.1 Approved Emergency Eyewash and Shower refers to meeting the requirements of ANSI Z358.1– 2009 “American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment” (ANSI Standard). 2.2 Combination Unit means an interconnected assembly of drenching and flushing equipment that is supplied by a single flushing fluid source. 2.3 District refers to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. 2.4 Emergency Eyewash refers to a device used to irrigate and flush the eyes. 2.5 Emergency Shower refers to an assembly that utilizes a valve that remains open during use to enable the user to have water cascading over the entire body while the hands are free. 2.6 Eye/Face Wash unit refers to a device used to irrigate and flush both the face and the eyes. 2.7 Flushing Fluid refers to potable (drinkable) water or other medically acceptable solution for flushing eyes or face. 2.8 Hazardous substance means a hazardous biological or chemical substance that may cause injury to the eyes or skin in the event of contact. - 2 - PR.592. HS 2.9 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) means a technical bulletin that provides specific hazard information, safe handling information and emergency procedures for a controlled product. 2.10 Plumbed Eyewash refers to an eyewash unit permanently connected to a source of potable water. 2.11 Supervisor refers to any employee who is responsible for the work of another employee, including, but not limited to, supervisory officers, principals, and managers. 2.12 Self-contained Eyewash refers to an eyewash device that contains its own flushing fluid that must be refilled or replaced after each use. 3.0 RESPONSIBILITY 3.1 The Occupational Health and Safety Division (OHS Division) will be responsible for: a) assisting departments and schools in determining the need for emergency eyewashes and/or emergency showers and the placement of the equipment; b) assisting and advising in the selection and installation of the devices to ensure compliance with the requirements of this procedure and with the ANSI standard; c) conducting periodic audits to ensure that inspections are occurring at least as frequently as required; d) coordinating training regarding the use and testing of emergency devices, and for the content of training provided; and e) developing and making available appropriate signage and forms to record weekly flushing/inspections. 3.2 The Facilities Department shall be responsible for: a) the installation, maintenance and repair of emergency eyewashes and emergency showers; and b) the flushing, inspection and repair of the emergency eyewash devices installed or located in areas used primarily by custodial and maintenance staff, including determining who will be responsible for these tasks on site at each location. 3.3 Supervisors will be responsible for: a) ensuring that staff who may need to use emergency eyewash and shower equipment are trained on its location and use; b) ensuring that the necessary equipment required under this procedure is provided and available and that in the event such equipment is not available, ensuring that any work requiring the availability of this equipment is not performed until the required equipment is made available; - 3 - PR.592. HS c) requesting immediate repair for any malfunctioning or non -operational emergency equipment and ensuring that such equipment is appropriately tagged as being non-operational and, therefore, unavailable; d) ensuring that the regular inspections and flushing of equipment occurs as outlined in this procedure; and e) assigning specific responsibility to a member(s) of the appropriate Department/teaching area for flushing, inspection and repair of the emergency eyewash devices installed or located in instructional areas. 3.4 Employees who work with, handle or produce hazardous chemical or biological substances will be responsible for: a) following the requirements of this procedure; b) utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles, face shields, and chemical resistant garments as a means of defense against splash from injurious substances; c) becoming familiar with the location and operation of the nearest emergency eyewash and/or shower; d) using the emergency devices as trained and required; e) requesting immediate repair for any malfunctioning or non -operational equipment; and f) reporting incidents that have required the use of emergency equipment to the appropriate supervisor as soon as the emergency has been brought under control. 3.5 Where students are also working with hazardous substances as part of curriculum expectations (e.g.: science, technology, art), teachers and supervisors will be responsible for: a) ensuring that the emergency equipment is working properly prior to undertaking any activities involving hazardous substances; b) ensuring that students are informed of the appropriate personal protective equipment to use while using the substances; c) ensuring that students are aware of the location and operation of the emergency equipment; and d) requesting immediate repair for any malfunctioning or non -operational equipment. 4.0 PROCEDURES General Requirements - 4 - PR.592. HS 4.1 The requirement for emergency eyewashes and/or showers will be based on a review and determination by the appropriate supervisor, in consultation with Occupational Health and Safety as required, of the processes being undertaken at the site, the inventory of hazardous substances and the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) being used or generated in the worksite. Such review must be undertaken as needed, and in particular, where the Supervisor has reason to believe there has been a change in the processes being undertaken or the inventory of hazardous substances being used or generated at the site. 4.2 All new District facilities where the use of hazardous substances is planned, or likely to occur, will have emergency eyewashes and shower equipment incorporated into the facility at the design stage. Installation of such equipment must be as specified in ANSI Z358.1-2009. Only equipment that is certified by the manufacturer as meeting the performance specifications contained in this standard may be placed in new facilities . 4.3 Existing facilities where hazardous substances are used must be equipped as necessary to include emergency eyewashes and showers. Equipment performance specifications, height, and clearance distances shall comply with ANSI Z358.1 – 2009. As emergency eyewashes and showers in existing facilities are replaced, every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that all specifications in ANSI Z358.1 -2009 are met. 4.4 Emergency eyewashes and showers are not a substitute for safe work procedures or for appropriate and approved PPE. 4.5 Emergency eyewashes and showers will be located within 10 seconds travel time of the hazardous chemical or biological substance in stock, in use or being generated in the worksite. If it is impracticable to meet the 10 second requirement for emergency eyewashes, personal eyewash equipment, such as bottles or small portable units may be used as the injured person is guided to the emergency eyewash. 4.6 Emergency eyewashes and showers will be assembled and installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and so as not to pose any additional hazard to the user, taking into consideration surrounding obstructions. Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Emergency Eyewashes 4.7 An approved, emergency eyewash must be in place wherever there is a risk of eye injury due to a hazardous substance. 4.8 Plumbed eyewash units will be installed where it is reasonable to do so; if there is no water supply and it is impractical to bring water to the area, a self-contained eyewash unit will be installed. 4.9 Preference will be given to installing eye/face washes where it is reasonable to do so . 4.10 The key specifications for emergency eyewashes from ANSI Z358.1– 2009 are set out in Appendix A. Emergency Showers - 5 - PR.592. HS 4.11 An approved emergency shower must be in place wherever there is a risk of skin injury due to a hazardous substance. 4.12 The key specifications for emergency showers from ANSI Z358.1 – 2009 are set out in Appendix A. Combination Units 4.13 In situations or locations where both an emergency eyewash and shower are required, a combination unit containing both is ideal and will be considered wherever reasonably possible. The installation and performance requirements for combination units are the same as those for the individual devices. Flushing/Inspections/Testing Flushing/Activation 4.14 An employee working in each school/department where there is an emergency eyewash or shower will be assigned responsibility by the appropriate supervisor for flushing, activation, and arranging for repair of any emergency eyewashes or showers within his/her area(s). 4.15 Emergency eyewashes and showers will be activated and flushed at least once per week, in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements, to verify operation and ensure there is adequate and effective flow from the unit. The devices should be monitored while flushing to ensure that flushing fluid rises to approximately equal heights, and that fluid flow is sufficient to flush both eyes simultaneously while at a velocity low enough to be non-injurious to the user. The manufacturer’s requirements should always be consulted for purposes of determining flushing requirements. 4.16 Emergency eyewashes and showers will also be activated to ensure adequate flow prior to undertaking any activity involving the handling or use of chemicals or biological substances that may be injurious to the eyes or skin by the employee planning to undertake the activity. 4.17 The weekly flushing will be recorded on a tag affixed to/or immediately near the emergency eyewash or shower. The record will indicate the date of the flushing/inspection and the initials of the person having conducted the activity. 4.18 Flushing fluid in self-contained stations must be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. 4.19 Should the eyewash or shower fail the weekly inspection, it must be report ed immediately to the supervisor and to OH&S and alternate measures put in place to provide first-aid in the event of an emergency. 4.20 The weekly schedule of testing may be varied in exceptional or limited circumstances only, based on a documented risk assessment that has been approved by the appropriate supervisor. A less frequent (e.g. monthly) or more frequent (e.g. daily) inspection routine may be determined to be appropriate to ensure that safety showers and eyewash stations supply clean, potable water and are in proper working order, based on the nature of work being performed and the chemicals in use at any particu lar time. - 6 - PR.592. HS Annual Inspection and Testing 4.21 Annual inspections and testing should be undertaken for eyewash and safety showers to ensure the equipment is operational and continues to meet ANSI standards. 4.22 Shower units should be inspected using the checklist provided in Appendix B. 4.23 Eyewash units should be inspected using the checklist provided in Appendix C. Repairs/Maintenance 4.24 Should the eyewash or shower fail the weekly activation/flushing or the annual inspection, it must be reported immediately to the supervisor and to OH&S and alternate measures put in place to provide first-aid in the event of an emergency. 4.25 Whenever an eyewash stations has been determined to be non-functional, the supervisor and OH&S shall be advised immediately and the supervisor will ensure that the device is marked with a conspicuous sign indicating that it is not operational and simple legible directions provided indicating where the next closest unit is located. Any hazardous work should be avoided until an approved emergency eyewash device is available. Alternatively, a portable eyewash station or equivalent may be made available if work involving a hazardous substance cannot be delayed. 4.26 Repairs of eyewash stations and showers must be undertaken on a priority basis. 4.27 Prior to any service work being undertaken which will affect the function of emergency eyewashes or showers, such as turning off main or branch water lines, the appropriate supervisor must be advised and notice given to any workers who may be relying on the emergency equipment. Information and Training 4.28 Information and training provided to principals, vice-principals, managers, supervisors will include: a) the recognition and interpretation of information on an MSDS; b) the safe storage, use, handling and where applicable, production of hazardous substances; c) the use, inspection and maintenance of emergency eyewashes and showers; and d) the appropriate use and availability of PPE, such as goggles and face shields. 4.29 Principals, vice-principals, managers and supervisors will ensure, through the provision of the appropriate information and training, that all worker(s) under their supervision who may be exposed to risk of injury to the eyes or skin as a result of a hazardous substance, are competent in and/or knowledgeable about: a) the recognition and interpretation of information on an MSDS; b) emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a h azardous substance splash on themselves or another person; - 7 - PR.592. HS c) the location of all emergency eyewashes and showers in the worker(s) workplace; d) the effective operation of each type of emergency eyewash and shower in the worker’s workplace; e) the inspection and testing of emergency eyewash and shower in the worker’s workplace; and f) the appropriate use and availability of PPE, such as goggles and face shields. 4.30 Teachers will ensure, through the provision of the appropriate information and training, that all students under their supervision who may be exposed to risk of injury to the eyes or skin as a result of a hazardous substance, are competent in and/or knowledgeable about: a) the recognition and interpretation of information on an MSDS; b) emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a hazardous substance splash on themselves or another person; c) the location of all emergency eyewashes and showers in the student’s learning environment; d) the effective operation of each type of emergency eyewash and shower in th e student’s learning environment; and e) the appropriate use and availability of PPE such as goggles and face shields. 5.0 APPENDICES Appendix A: Specifications Excerpted from ANSI Z358.1– 2009 – “American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment” Appendix B: Checklist for Annual Inspection – Shower Units Appendix C: Checklist for Annual Inspection – Eyewash Units 6.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ANSI Standard Z358.1 (as amended) “American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment” Industrial Establishments, Ontario Regulation 851/90, as amended Board Policy P.058.HS: Occupational Health and Safety - 8 - PR.592. HS APPENDIX A Specifications Excerpted from ANSI Z358.1– 2009 – “American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment” Plumbed and self-contained eyewash: (a) Plumbed and self-contained eyewash units must supply at least 1.5 litres per minute (0.4 gpm) of flushing fluid and at a velocity low enough to be non-injurious to the user. (b) At least a fifteen minute supply of flushing fluid must be available. (Note: Users should consult the appropriate MSDS prior to using any hazardous chemical to ensure that the emergency eyewash provides sufficient flushing time.) (c) Eyewash units must supply flushing fluid to both eyes simultaneously. (d) Eyewash units must be capable of being activated by one hand operation and provide water flow within 1 second of activation by means of a simple “off” to “on” valve. (e) The flushing fluid supply valve must stay open without the use of the operator's hands. (f) Nozzles must be protected from airborne contaminants. Nozzle protective device removal must be automatic (not require a separate motion by the user) when the unit is turned on. (g) Eyewash units must be placed between 83.8 cm (33 in.) and 114.4 cm (45 in.) from the user's standing surface and at least15.3 cm. (6 in.) from the nearest wall or other obstruction. (h) The temperature of the flushing fluid must be lukewarm or tepid (between 16 degrees and 38 degrees Celsius), unless specified otherwise in the MSDS). (i) Emergency eyewashes must be capable of providing sufficient pressure and flow to provide parallel and even streams out of the two nozzles of at least 10 cm (4”). The separation between the two streams must be approximately 3 cm (2 ¼”) from centre to centre of each stream when measured at a stream height of 20.3 cm (8”). Eye/Face wash equipment: (a) Plumbed and self-contained eye/face wash units must supply at least 11.3 litres per minute (3.0 gpm) of flushing fluid and at a velocity low enough to be non -injurious to the user. (b) At least a fifteen minute supply of flushing fluid must be available. (Note: Users should consult the appropriate MSDS prior to using any hazardous chemical to ensure that the emergency eyewash provides sufficient flushing time.) (c) Eye/Face wash units must supply flushing fluid to both eyes simultaneously. (d) Eyewash units must be capable of being activated by one hand operation and provide water flow within 1 second of activation by means of a simple “off” to “on” valve. - 9 - PR.592. HS (e) The flushing fluid supply valve must stay open without the use of the operator's hands. (f) Nozzles must be protected from airborne contaminants. Nozzle protective device removal must be automatic (not require a separate motion by the user) when the unit is turned on. (g) Eyewash units must be placed between 83.8 cm (33 in.) and 114.4 cm (45 in.) from the user's standing surface and at least15.3 cm. (6 in.) from the nearest wall or other obstruction. (h) The temperature of the flushing fluid must be lukewarm or tepid (between 16 degrees and 38 degrees Celsius), unless specified otherwise in the MSDS.) (i) Emergency eyewashes must be capable of providing sufficient pressure and flow to provide parallel and even streams out of the two nozzles of at least 10 cm (4 in.). The separation between the two streams must be approximately 3 cm (2 ¼ in. ) from centre to centre of each stream when measured at a stream height of 20.3 cm (8 in.). Personal eyewash equipment: (a) Personal eyewash equipment, such as bottles and small portable units, are designed for immediate flushing of the eyes without being injurious to the user. Personal eyewash equipment supports plumbed and self-contained units, but it does not provide adequate replacement. (b) Operator instructions must be maintained on personal eyewash equipment. (c) Water must be changed out at least once per week when it is used without a preservative. An expiration date must be maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications on equipment containing flushing solutions or Plumbed and self-contained emergency showers: (a) Plumbed and self-contained emergency showers must be capable of delivering a minimum of 75.7 litres per minute (20 gpm) of flushing fluid at a velocity low enough to be non-injurious to the user. (b) At least a fifteen minute supply of flushing fluid must be available. (Note: Users should consult the appropriate MSDS prior to using any hazardous chemical to ensure that the emergency eyewash provides sufficient flushing time.) (c) The shower must be capable of being activated by one hand and provide water flow within one second of activation by means of a simple “off” to “on” valve. (d) The flushing fluid supply valve must stay open without the use of the operator's hands. (e) The flushing column (shower head) height must be between 208.3 cm (82 in.) and 243.8 cm (96 in.) (84in. is optimal) from the user's standing surface. (f) Protection from freezing or freeze protected equipment is required where the possibility of freezing exists. - 10 - PR.592. HS (g) Shower enclosures (if used) require at least an 86 cm (34 in.) diameter unobstructed area to provide adequate space for the user. (h) The spray pattern must be a minimum of 152.5 cm (60 in.) at 152.4 cm (60 in.) above the surface on which the user stands and the centre of the spray pattern must be located at least 40.6 cm (16 in.) from any obstruction. The flushing fluid must be evenly dispersed throughout the pattern. Reference ANSI Standard Z358.1 for the full standard. - 11 - PR.592. HS APPENDIX B Checklist for Annual Inspection – Shower Units Shower units should be inspected at least annually using appropriate equipment (e.g. bucket and sleeve) and following manufacturer’s recommended requirements. At a minimum, the inspection should include the following:  Ensure that access to the shower unit is clear of obstructions  Ensure the shower is accessible within 10 seconds of hazard  Visually inspect the shower to ensure that there are no broken parts, pipe damage, leakage, etc. prior to testing the unit  Operate the shower for long enough to verify operation and relieve the unit of any rust and other pipe build-up. Continue flushing until the water runs clear.  Ensure that problems identified during the inspection are reported immediately.  Document the test with dates and initials on the tag located adjacent to the unit. Report if the tag is missing or needs replacing. - 12 - PR.592. HS APPENDIX C Checklist for Annual Inspection – Eyewash Units Eyewash units should be inspected at least annually using appropriate equipment (e.g. bucket and sleeve) and following manufacturer’s recommended requirements. At a minimum, the inspection should include the following:  Ensure that access to the eyewash unit is clear of obstructions  Ensure the shower is accessible within 10 seconds of hazard  Visually inspect the eyewash to ensure that there are no broken parts, pipe damage, leakage, etc. prior to testing the unit.  Activate eyewash unit – flush pipes: check that the spouts are clean and that the water flow is effective and continuous.  Operate the eyewash unit for long enough to verify operation and ensure that flushing fluid is available and not injurious to the user’s eye or face .  The unit must deliver low-pressure tepid (between 16 degrees and 38 degrees Celsius), unless specified otherwise in the MSDS) flow to both eyes so it does not injure the open eyes.  Controlled flow of flushing fluid must be provided to both eyes simulta neously.  Valve must remain on unless manually turned off, must activate water flow in one second or less and remain open without the use of the operator’s hands.  Ensure that each station has a highly visible emergency sign.  Ensure that problems identified during the inspection are reported immediately.  Document the test with dates and initials on the tag located adjacent to the unit. Report if the tag is missing or needs replacing.