Emergency Eyewash/Shower Program

| Eyewash and Shower Safety Manual (PDF) |

Eyewashes/safety showers are an important part to any laboratory. These devices can help save a life in the event of gross chemical contamination. You should have a functioning eyewash and safety shower within 10 seconds clear travel of your workspace.

What you can do?

• If you are exposed to chemicals and need to use an eyewash/safety shower, you should flush the affected area for at least fifteen minutes to completely remove the chemical. Be sure to contact a physician if the situation warrants.
• Eyewashes should be checked periodically by laboratory personnel to ensure water flow and quality. This helps clean out any rust, scale deposits, or bacteria that may accumulate.
• The area around the safety equipment should always be free of clutter. It's impossible to get to cluttered eyewash when your eyes are full of acid.
• The shower pull should be kept at a height that can be reached by all people in the laboratory.
• Eyewash nozzles should be protected by plastic end caps. These should be loose enough to be removed by the flow of water, but secure enough to prevent contamination from dust and chemicals.
• Portable squeeze bottles are not acceptable as eyewash units.  
• Eyewashes and safety showers should never be substituted for use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

What EH&S can do for you?

• Inspects the eyewash and emergency showers.
• Provide expert advice on the location of installation, safety training around the area, and use of PPE.

If you need further information regarding the same, please contact EH&S at x4111.

Last Updated on 1/9/07. For questions regarding this department's website, please contact us at x4111 . Privacy Statement  Copyright 2006 University of Texas at Dallas.