Durham Catholic District School Board The Board Title: Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers Procedure #: AP414-12 Administrative Area: Policy Reference: Human Resources and Administrative Services Emergency Preparedness (PO414) Date Approved: September 26, 2016 Dates of Amendment: 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this administrative procedure is to provide employees who work in board facilities where eyewash stations and safety showers exist, clear and precise procedures for the use, inspection, repair and maintenance of eyewash stations and safety showers and develop an awareness of their rights and responsibilities. 2.0 Definitions Employee A Durham Catholic District School Board employee including supervisors and workers as prescribed and in accordance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Eyewash Bottle - an eyewash container containing a limited supply of eyewash solution that can be used to manually flush the eye, face or skin for less than fifteen (15) minutes. Eyewash Station - a safety device designed to irrigate and flush the eye, face or skin. The unit must sustain an adequate and uninterrupted supply of flushing water or solution for at least fifteen (15) minutes or more. Hazard Control - refers to workplace procedures adopted to minimize injury, reduce adverse health effects and control damage to workplace facilities or equipment. Hazard control practices may involve a hierarchy of controls such as: elimination, substitution, engineering control, administrative control and personal protective equipment. Hazardous Substance - any substance or compound that has the ability to produce adverse health effects to a person. These substances may include: chemicals, biological agents and/or other hazardous materials. Safety Shower - a deluge shower that is designed to sustain an adequate and uninterrupted supply of flushing water that is cascaded over the entire body while the hands are free. Durham Catholic District School Board Page 1 of 4
Title: Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers (AP414-12) Administrative Area: Human Resources and Administrative Services Workplace for the purpose of this procedure, the workplace includes classrooms and other work related locations where eyewash stations and safety showers exist and applies to all employees of the Durham Catholic District School Board. 3.0 Procedures 3.1 Pre-Work Procedural Requirements for Employees Who Have Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers in the Workplace 3.1.1 All affected employees engaged in hazardous work shall ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are functional before engaging in the work. 3.1.2 Eyewash bottles are not considered eyewash stations. They should only be used for temporary flushing as a means of getting to an eyewash station or safety shower. 3.1.3 Where an employee may be exposed to a hazardous substance an eyewash bottle, eyewash station and/or a safety shower shall be provided. 3.1.4 Eyewash stations and safety showers shall be accessible and located in close proximity to the hazard. 3.1.5. Affected employees must be made aware of the location of these devices and trained in their use. 3.1.6 All eyewash stations and safety showers shall be inspected in accordance with the Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers Procedure for cleanliness and function. 3.1.7 Eyewash stations that utilize eyewash solution shall be maintained in accordance with the manufactures instructions and replenished when used. 3.2 Procedure for Use: In the event of accidental contact with a hazardous substance. The affected employee shall be familiar with and adhere to the following: 3.2.1 Without delay, make your way to the nearest eyewash station or safety shower and obtain assistance if possible. 3.2.2 Activate the eyewash station or safety shower and start flushing the eyes and/or the affected skin. Ensure to flush out the entire eye by holding the eyelids wide open with your index finger and thumb. 3.2.3 Flush the eyes and/or the affected skin for a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes or as prescribed by the Safety Data Sheet. Recommended Durham Catholic District School Board Page 2 of 4
Title: Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers (AP414-12) Administrative Area: Human Resources and Administrative Services flushing times may vary so make sure to consult the Safety Data Sheet before using the substance. 3.2.4 Immediately remove any contaminated article or clothing to adequately flush out the affected area. After flushing make use of any uncontaminated supplemental clothing for privacy and well-being. 3.2.5 In an emergency call or have someone call 8-911 as required. 3.2.6 After flushing, immediately seek medical attention as required. The affected supervisor shall make arrangements for transportation to a medical facility by ambulance. 3.2.7 Immediately notify your supervisor about the incident. 3.3 Procedure for Inspection and Testing: Inspecting and testing eyewash stations and safety showers helps to ensure that the safety devise is accessible and working properly. Under the direction of the Board Health & Safety Officer or designate, Principals shall ensure that: 3.3.1 All eyewash stations and/or safety showers shall be unobstructed and accessible. 3.3.2 Eyewash station and safety shower signage must be visible and in good condition. 3.3.3 Eyewash station and safety shower activations should be long enough to adequately clear out supply line sediments. 3.3.4 Upon activation, eyewash covers should automatically disengage from the nozzle head. The water should begin to flow from both nozzles with equal pressure on both sides so that both eyes can be adequately flushed. 3.3.5 Eyewash stations and safety showers should remain active until the activation lever is released or the handle is returned to the shut off position. 3.3.6 The safety shower should have an inspection tag indicating the date of last activation inspection. 3.3.7 A container shall be used to collect the eyewash or safety shower water where no drains are available to drain out the activation water. 3.3.8 All containers used to collect eyewash and safety shower water shall be handled in a safe manner in accordance with proper lifting and handling procedures. 3.3.9 All devises used for activation testing shall be used safely and appropriate. This may include but is not limited to tools, equipment and ladders. 3.3.10 After activation; all excess water shall be cleaning up immediately to help prevent slip and fall hazards. 3.3.11 The unit must be tagged out and reported to the affected supervisor if the unit does not operate as required. Durham Catholic District School Board Page 3 of 4
Title: Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers (AP414-12) Administrative Area: Human Resources and Administrative Services 3.4 Procedure for Maintenance and Repair: When an eyewash station or safety shower is out of service or non-functional, repairs should be carried out within a reasonable amount of time and an alternate safety devise should be used and provided by the affected facility. 3.4.1 All repairs shall be carried out by a knowledgeable and/or qualified person. 3.4.2 All repairs should be made in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions (if applicable) 3.4.3 All work orders shall be requested by the affected facility and submitted to the Facilities Services Department to initiate the work order. 4.0 References & Sources Occupational Health and Safety Act, RSO 1990, Section 25 Industrial Regulation, 851, sections 124, 125 ww.ccohs.ca/oshanswers Durham Catholic District School Board - Science Safety and Operations Manual 5.0 Related Forms / Policies, s and Appendices Emergency Preparedness Policy (PO414) Eyewash Station Weekly inspection log (Appendix A) Safety Shower Weekly inspection log (Appendix A) Durham Catholic District School Board Page 4 of 4
Appendix A EYEWASH STATION CHECK LIST ANSI / ISEA Z358.1 Activate Eyewash Station at least weekly. Classroom teacher should log activation by initialing Eye Wash Check List. Year of 20. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
SAFETY SHOWER INSPECTION ANSI / ISEA Z358.1 Visually inspect Safety Showers weekly. Classroom teacher should log inspection by initialing Safety Shower Check List. Year of 20. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4