Eyewash Station - Why Are Eyewash Stations Necessary?
For a large number of industries across South Africa
, installing an eyewash station is an essential part of workplace safety precautions. This type of safety equipment enables workers, who have been exposed to chemicals, corrosive materials or abrasive materials, to receive eye-care treatment urgently. Companies within industries such as mining, laboratories, hospitals and other medical facilities, nuclear plants, chemical plants, toxic waste plants, refineries, processing plants, food manufacturers and many other industries, dealing with potentially harmful substances, need to adhere to strict safety regulations to avoid contamination, but also to provide safety equipment for treatment of any accidental contact that has occurred with these substances.
What exactly is an eyewash station?
The eyewash station is a specially designed piece of safety equipment that uses clean water to flush chemicals and other substances from the eyes. The system requires a flow of fluid to allow sufficient flushing for both eyes at once. Depending on the level of contact and the type of chemical the worker has been exposed to, flushing can be done for as long as it takes to rectify the situation.
Because the first 10-15 seconds after exposure to chemicals are the most critical, the eyewash station must have been set up in a strategically accessible position. The station should be set up in an area that will not cause any obstruction, allowing workers to easily access the station. It should be easily identified with a clear sign, and the area should be well-lit so that workers will be able to access the station, even if their sight has been affected.
Why are eyewash stations necessary?
Eyewash stations are essential for any industrial plant or organisation where there is a risk of chemical contamination, as well as any work areas such as high dust areas, spraying areas, battery charging areas and dipping areas. Occupational Health & Safety Regulations in South Africa require all companies to have adequate safety equipment installed, which includes stations for eyewash procedures in areas where contact with potentially dangerous substances or work conditions is possible.
Without effective safety precautions such as these, it can take just a single accidental exposure to a corrosive substance for a worker to suffer temporary, or even permanent, blindness or the total loss of one or both eyes. The nature of many chemicals is to dissolve anything that it comes into contact with, and if this occurs, the risk of serious to severe eye injury or eye loss is significant. The time lapse between exposure and flushing is crucial, and without adequate safety measures, even 20 seconds could be too late.
Different types of eyewash station
The primary types of eyewash station include a pedestal type and ones that can be wall or shower mounted, as well as portable ones. The type of eyewash unit may vary according to the nature of the industry and safety regulations, and often special versions are designed to the companys specific requirements.
One of the most effective eyewash systems is the plumbed pedestal eyewash bowl, as this station can be set up as a permanent safety feature. It is foot-pedal operated to allow for hands-free use. The nozzles should be well aerated to provide a gentle wash and the operation should be as simple as possible. For industries that have a greater risk of chemical contamination, this type of station offers the most time-efficient solution in that it does not require additional set up.
Wall or shower mounted eyewash units are similar in design but do not have a plumbed drain system. Any water used simply falls to the floor.
Hawks Pumps offers high-quality pedal operated eyewash pedestal units manufactured in stainless steel, ensuring complete eye safety in the workplace. Contact Hawks Pumps for all of your eyewash station needs, or join our mailing list to stay updated on various improvements on these products.
by: Project
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