Eyewash is present, flushed weekly (documented), unobstructed, operational

An eyewash station must be readily available near workstations where employees perform tasks that produce splashes of potentially infectious materials and hazardous chemicals. Eyewash stations should meet the ANSI requirements as per the MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan. The eye wash must be flushed on a weekly basis and documented on a log to ensure the water quality, pressure, and temperature is adequate for decontamination. A link to an eyewash log template can be found here: Eyewash test log template (PDF).

The intent of the weekly activation to be conducted on plumbed emergency eyewash and shower equipment is to ensure that there is a flushing fluid supply at the head of the device and to clear the supply line of any sediment build-up that could prevent fluid from being delivered to the head of the device and minimize microbial contamination due to stagnant water. The duration of this test is dependent on the volume of water contained in the unit itself and all sections of pipework that do not form part of a constant circulation system (also known as "dead leg" portions). Water in these sections is stagnant until a flow is activated by opening a valve. The goal is to flush out stagnant water in the dead leg completely. Where mixing valves are used, both the hot water and cold water supplies to the valve must be considered.

MIOSHA has adopted the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus standards for eye protection and emergency shower and eyewash facilities.

References:

  • BMBL 6th ed. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 300859 
  • MSU Biosafety and Security Manual 
  • MSU Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan
  • MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan 5.3.3
  • ANSI Z358.1-2014 sections 5.5.2, 6.5.2, 8.2.4.2, Appendix B(B7), sections 5.1.3, 6.1.3. and sections 4.5.2, 5.4.2, 6.4.2, Appendix B (B5)
  • MiOSHA Fact Sheet Eyewashes and Safety Showers  

Corrective actions:

  • Eyewash must be present and functioning within a room, access cannot be through a door or around a corner when the following chemical hazards are present:
    • Skin Corrosion – Category 1A, 1B, and 1C at greater than or equal to 5% Serious Eye Damage - Category 1 at greater than or equal to 1% 
    • Serious Eye Irritation - Category 2A at greater than or equal to 10% 
    • Chemicals with a pH greater than or equal to 11.5 or less than or equal 2.0 at greater than or equal to 1% (unless it can be proven the pH of the mixture is outside of eyewash requirements) 
    • More information can be found in Parts 92 and 430 of the Hazard Communication Standard  
  • Six-inches of clearance on all sides of the eyewash will ensure it is not obstructed
    • Tape protecting that space helps to keep it clear
  • Flushing needs to be done weekly and documented 
    • You can maintain one log for all eyewashes if it clearly shows each eyewash was flushed
  • The eyewash must supply a sufficient quantity of water and the temperature of the water should be comfortable enough to allow someone to flush for 15 minutes (between 60 and 100 degrees F). 
  • Be familiar with the location of this emergency equipment and instruct lab personnel on how to use them.
  • The hands must be free to hold the eyelids open to aid in the complete flushing of the eyes.
  • If you detect any type of malfunctioning of the eyewash promptly request a repair with MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities at https://ipf.msu.edu/service-billing/service-catalog/building-maintenance. 

 

Lab Safety Inspections