Eyewashes & Safety Showers
Eyewash stations, safety showers, and drench hoses provide immediate decontamination for individuals exposed to hazardous substances. They are critical in labs, workshops, and any area where chemicals or biohazards are used.
All individuals who could be exposed to hazardous chemicals or materials are expected to know the location and correct operation of safety showers and eyewash stations.
When To Use
- Chemical splashes to eyes or skin
- Accidental exposure to biological materials
- Chemical spills on clothing
- Dust or other irritants cause eye distress
How To Use
Eyewashes & Drench Hoses
- In the event of an emergency, activate the eyewash station by pushing the handle (standalone station), pulling the sink out toward you (recessed station), or squeezing the lever of the drench hose.
- Hold both eyelids open with thumbs and forefingers.
- Roll eyeballs back and forth so the water can reach all surfaces of the eye and under the eyelid.
- Flush eyes for 15 minutes.
- After using an eyewash, seek immediate medical attention for further treatment.
Safety Showers
- If there is any question about the severity of a chemical exposure, immediately use the safety shower. There is no time for modesty or hesitation in the event of a chemical exposure.
- Immediately move under the safety shower and pull the handle down. Strip off any contaminated clothing, jewelry, or personal protective equipment.
- Stand under the shower for at least 15 minutes, flushing contaminated areas. Tilt the head back and hold the eyes open if exposed.
- In the event of a chemical exposure, do not worry about making a mess. Water can be cleaned up. The safety of the exposed person is always the primary concern.
- After using a safety shower, seek immediate medical attention for further treatment.
UT Dallas has many different types of eyewashes, safety showers, and drench hoses installed. Below are a few you may see around campus:
Equipment Requirements
Eyewashes, safety showers, and drench hoses are required to meet certain standards based on safety regulations and best practices.
Eyewash Stations & Drench Hoses
If you have questions or concerns about the eyewash stations in your space, please contact the Office of Institutional Risk & Safety at safety@utdallas.edu or 972-883-7200, or submit an incident report form.
- The eyewash must be able to deliver 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) of uninterrupted, tepid (60 to 100°F) water for at least 15 minutes.
- The eyewash must be located in a well-lit area and identified with signage no less than 6 inches in height and width.
- The eyewash must be positioned 6 inches away from the wall or the nearest obstruction for plumbed units.
- The eyewash must be installed so the fluid flow pattern is no less than 33 inches in height, but no greater than 53 inches in height, from the walking surface.
- Spray heads and flushing fluid units should be protected from airborne contaminants. This is usually accomplished with integrated dust caps.
- The valve of the eyewash must activate in one second or less, and remain on until the user shuts it off.
- The eyewash location must be no more than 10 seconds away from the hazard (approximately 75 feet).
- The path of travel from the hazard must be free of obstructions and located on the same floor as the hazard.
- Eyewash stations should be plumbed directly to a drain.
- If shut-off valves are installed in the supply line for maintenance purposes, provisions must be made to prevent unauthorized shut-off.
Note: drench hoses may be considered an eyewash station if the device meets the above performance requirements.
Safety Showers
- The safety shower must have an uninterrupted flow equal to 20 gallons per minute (GPM) for a minimum of 15 minutes of tepid (60 to 100°F) water.
- The center of the safety shower spray pattern must be located at least 16 inches from any obstruction and must have a minimum diameter of 20 inches at 60 inches above the walking surface.
- The valve of the safety shower should activate in one second or less, and remain on until the user shuts it off.
- The safety shower must be located in an area that requires no more than 10 seconds to reach (approximately 75 feet from the hazard).
- The safety shower must be located in a well-lit area and identified with a sign no less than 6 inches in height and width.
- The spray head of the safety shower must be positioned between 82 and 96 inches above the walking surface.
- The path of travel to the safety shower must be free of obstructions and located on the same floor as the hazard.
- If shut-off valves are installed in the supply line for maintenance purposes, provisions must be made to prevent unauthorized shut-off.
Equipment Maintenance
Eyewashes & Drench Hoses
Eyewash stations and drench hoses should be activated weekly to verify correct operation. Testing assures the equipment will be operational when needed, but also serves to flush particles and stagnant water from the plumbing system.
To test an eyewash or drench hose:
- If the water is clear, run the eyewash/drench hose for one minute.
- If the water is NOT clear, run the eyewash until the water is clear, then continue to run the water for one minute.
Risk & Safety inspects all eyewash stations and drench hoses annually to ensure the correct requirements and standards are met.
Documentation of weekly inspections should be maintained by the responsible department, principal investigator (PI), laboratory manager, or personnel performing inspections. Risk & Safety has developed an eyewash inspection template.
Safety Showers
Risk & Safety inspects all safety showers annually to ensure the correct requirements and standards are met. Safety showers are typically tested with a safety shower testing unit, such as the one shown below. During testing, the shower is activated long enough for clear water to flow, to verify that it is flowing at a rate of 20 gallons per minute, and that the temperature of the water is acceptable. For more frequent testing of safety showers, please contact OIRSP at safety@utdallas.edu. Safety shower testing units can also be purchased from safety supply companies.
