OSHA Regs Pertaining to Eyewash Stations

By

Bob DelPrete, Former Southern Region Safety/Health Rep 

        Below is a letter that was written recently to a member of our local that outlined basic fundamentals and regulations related to eyewash stations at USPS facilities.  Though not stated in the summation below, it is important to review your Material Safety Data sheets to see if any chemical used at your facility requires a minimum of 15 minutes of flushing time.  If so, a more elaborate flushing device may be required instead of the bottled eyewash solution that the USPS may provide. 

       

Dear Bill:
As per your request, I've put together a summary of information regarding eyewash stations and what OSHA requires of them.  I've also reviewed and presented some of my stored away written information on the subject and I think you will find this information beneficial as well.

First, 29 CFR 1910.151(c) states "Where the 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."

Second, under 29 CFR 1910.178(g) precautions are listed that must be taken when changing batteries for powered industrial trucks, as I am sure you are aware.  These precautions are listed below, and (2) is particularly of interest:

(1)      Battery charging installations shall be located in areas designated for that purpose.

(2)      Facilities shall be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, for fire protection, for protecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks, and for adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gassing batteries.

(3)      [Reserved]

(4)      A conveyor, overhead hoist, or equivalent material handling equipment shall be provided for handling batteries.

(5)      Reinstalled batteries shall be properly positioned and secured in the truck.

(6)      A carboy tilter or siphon shall be provided for handling electrolyte.

(7)      When charging batteries, acid shall be poured into water; water shall not be poured into acid.

(8)      Trucks shall be properly positioned and brake applied before attempting to change or charge batteries.

(9)      Care shall be taken to assure that vent caps are functioning. The battery (or compartment) cover(s) shall be open to dissipate heat.

(10)  Smoking shall be prohibited in the charging area.

(11)  Precautions shall be taken to prevent open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery charging areas.

(12)  Tools and other metallic objects shall be kept away from the top of uncovered batteries.

Now, some added info from the written text that I have maintained over the years:

· 1910.151(c) above is true even if PPE is provided.

· The eyewash MUST provide a steady stream of drenching water to eyes, and that's both eyes simultaneously.

· A mere bottle of eyewash IS NOT sufficient in the specified area of the facility because of the dangerous corrosives that are present.

· Make sure MSDS sheets are on record for the corrosives in the battery charging area. They will tell you the need for eyewash stations.

· Hands SHOULD NOT be a requirement to make the fountain work continuously.

· Be sure to check the expiration dates of the flushing solution.

· Streams of eyewash SHOULD meet at a vertex (or nearly so) for at least 15 minutes.

· The temp and pressure of the stream SHOULD be automatically controlled or be naturally suitable.

· Devices ARE to be in place to avoid the possibility that the 1st stream of eyewash solution transports any adverse material to the eyes.

· The fountain MUST be conspicuous and access MUST be totally unimpeded.

· The fountain must be in the immediate area of the hazard (most compliance officers use 25' as a guide), with NO doors, ramps, or steps in the path and few turns.  NOTE: I am told that in certain circumstances, 15' could be viewed as a violation.

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Last modified: July 13, 2007