Purpose

To describe the procedures for operating, maintaining and testing of the eyewash stations in accordance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) checklist standard GEN.77400 and the National Institutes of Health Chemical Hygiene Plan. 

Each LP laboratory must have adequate plumbed or self-contained emergency eyewash facilities in every area where there are hazardous chemicals as defined by the laboratory's chemical hygiene plan (e.g. chemicals that are irritating, corrosive, toxic by contact or absorption). 

Emergency Eyewash

All laboratories within the Laboratory of Pathology must contain an emergency eyewash, readily available and clearly labeled for staff use if necessary.

Signage must be clearly visible to all personnel in all laboratories, and the eyewash stations must be unobstructed for ease of access.

The NIH Chemical Hygiene Plan includes provisions for the safe handling of all chemicals used in the Laboratory of Pathology, and instructions for eye flushing for spills and exposures.

Chemicals with corrosive properties (refer to the safety data sheet) that may potentially be exposed to the eye must be handled in a work area with appropriate eyewash facilities.  

Directions for Emergency Eyewash USE:

• Decontamination of the eyes should be undertaken immediately by irrigation with copious amounts of water.
  
  
• Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally.
  Immediate and prolonged (15 minutes) flushing is generally necessary for corrosive/alkali agents. 
  If the water is not at an appropriate temperature, it may add to the injury.
  
  
• After this initial treatment, immediately report to the Occupational Medical Service (OMS) for medical attention.

Preventative Maintenance

Weekly Testing:

The eyewash stations will be tested (activated and flushed) at least once weekly and documented by individual who performed the test. Contact ORF to clean out the filters as needed.

Directions for eyewash check:

• Verify eyewash cover is intact to protect from airborne contaminants.
• Check for hands-free flow once activated.
• Check function by activating weekly and ensure continuous water flow for at least one (1) minute.
• Ensure unobstructed path and proper signage at the location of the eyewash.
• Check that water is tepid (water temp should be between 60^?F and 100^?F). A lab thermometer can be used to test the temperature range if appropriate, but actual recording of temperature is not necessary.)

Documentation of weekly eyewash checks and instructions for use during an emergency is located on the Emergency Eyewash Check Weekly Logsheet in Forms and Checklists.

Testing records are maintained for at least two years.

Quality Assurance

Training and Competency

All new staff will be trained by their section on the proper use and maintenance on the eyewash station in their area during their initial orientation training.

QC Review

Eyewash checks will have monthly supervisor reviews, and corrective actions must be appropriately documented on the eyewash check sheet.

If there are any issues with the eyewash, such as visible contaminants or inadequate flow, the eyewash must have signage for out of use. Immediate contact must be made with facility management to place work order for repair. 

Signage Must be Posted Above Eyewash Stations