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Eye/Face Washes and Showers Standard

Intent

To outline the requirements for emergency eye/face washes and showers.

Legislation

Regulations for Industrial Establishments made under the Occupational Health & Safety Act of Ontario:

  1. Where a worker is exposed to a potential hazard of injury to the eye due to contact with a biological or chemical substance, an eyewash fountain shall be provided.  
  2. Where a worker is exposed to a potential hazard of injury to the skin due to contact with a substance, a quick-acting deluge shower shall be provided.  

Installation

  1. ANSI Z358.1-1998 certified or equivalent.
  2. Installed by UW Plant Operations.
  3. The water remains on without the use of the operator's hands once activated.
  4. Provide 1.5 L/min of water for at least 15 minutes.

Location

  1. Eyewash must be within 10 seconds travel distance and on the same level.
  2. Path of travel shall be free of obstructions that may inhibit the use of the equipment.
  3. Location identified by a highly visible sign.
  4. Location shall be easily accessible and well lit.

Maintenance

  1. Activated weekly by room occupants.
  2. Plant Operations conduct annual inspections.

Eyewash Selection

Three versions recommended for UW Campus are shown below. For guidance on appropriate version contact Safety Office Ext. 33587.

Use

  1. All persons who might be exposed to hazardous materials shall be instructed in the use of emergency eye/face wash and shower equipment and procedures for medical assistance.

  2. Review first aid procedures on Material Safety Data Sheets for hazardous materials.

  3. Use only eye face/wash units on the eyes.  Showers are for head and body and should not be used for eyes due to higher water pressure.

Eye/Face Wash/Drench Hose  

1.  Required where materials hazardous to the eyes/skin are used. 

2.  Used to rinse hazardous materials from the eyes/face plus minor spills to the body.

3.  Fluid nozzles are located adjacent to a sink near edge of the counter and away from any obstructions.  

Eye/Face Wash and Drench Hose Combination  

  1. Required where materials hazardous to the eyes/skin are used. 
  2. Used to rinse hazardous materials from the eyes and skin.
  3. Eye/Face wash with a sink must also have an adjoining drench hose.  
 

Eye/Face Wash and Shower Combination
  1. Required where greater volumes of materials hazardous to the eyes/skin are used (i.e. volume over 10L of one hazardous material).
     
  2. Used to rinse hazardous materials from eyes and body.


Eye Wash Bottles

These bottles are not to be used as eye washes at the University of Waterloo for the following reasons:

    • Eye wash bottles cannot maintain a a water flow of 1.5 L/ min for 15 minutes
    • The fluid in these bottles must be changed on a regular basis to maintain sterility