The National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that every day about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment.Many of these injuries are caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that “where they 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.”
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) similarly requires that employers provide eyewash and shower equipment where employees are exposed to hazardous materials.
When using an emergency eyewash follow these simple steps:
1. Push the handle or otherwise activate the water flow. The water flow should stay on until turned off. 2.Remove contact lenses if applicable. They trap hazardous chemicals in your eyes and prevent the eyewash from washing out the hazardous chemical. 3.If needed, hold your eyes open. They will naturally want to close so you will have to hold them open to properly flush them. 4.Do not rub your eyes. This could force hazardous chemicals deeper into the eye causing further damage to injured tissue. 5.Flush for at least 15 minutes.
When using an emergency shower follow these simple steps:
1. Activate the
shower. 2.Remove clothing. Clothing can trap hazardous chemicals close to the skin. Every item of clothing below the exposure must come off. If needed, have a coworker assist you. This is not the time to be modest. 3.Do not rub your skin. This can drive chemicals deeper into the skin and further damage injured tissue. 4.Flush your skin for at least 15 minutes or until emergency medical assistance arrives.
Remember, safety doesn’t have to be difficult. Simple steps, such as knowing how to use an emergency shower or eyewash, can help minimize the severity of injuries caused by chemical exposure.
