Laboratory Safety

Installation Standards & Technical Specifications

 

EMERGENCY EYE WASHES

Installation

  • At least one emergency eyewash must be installed in any laboratory where hazardous chemicals are used. It should be no more than 10 metres away from where an accident might occur.
  • Eyewashes must be installed in visible, easily accessible places.
  • Water supply should be sourced from the main or emergency piping with potable water where possible. It is advisable to install a filter in the source pipe.
  • The eyewash source pipe must be a minimum of ¾" and the water pressure 2 bar.

Operation and testing

  • Eyewashes must be tested every two days to flush the pipes and verify correct operation of the unit.
  • All staff must be instructed on how to operate eyewashes.
  • In the event of an accident the eyewash should be used for a minimum of 15 minutes and medical advice must be sought immediately afterwards.

COMBINATION SAFETY SHOWERS AND EYEWASHES

Installation

  • At least one emergency shower must be installed in any laboratory where hazardous chemicals are used.
  • Emergency showers and shower/eyewash combinations should be installed in locations that are easily visible and no more than 10 metres away from people working with hazardous chemicals. They should be accessible from at least three directions.
  • Water supply should be sourced from the main or emergency piping with potable water where possible.
  • The diameter of the source pipe must be a minimum of 1½ inches and at a water pressure of 2 bar. It is recommended that an inline filter is fitted.

Operation and testing

  • The unit must be tested at least once per week to flush the line and verify proper operation.
  • All employees or operators who may be exposed to chemical splash shall be instructed in the proper use of the unit.
  • It is generally accepted practice that a person involved in a chemical splash incident should use either the eye wash or shower for at least 15 minutes and medical advice should be sought immediately afterwards. For any large splashes of hazardous chemicals necessitating the use of the emergency shower, all contaminated clothing must be removed immediately.