Pit & Quarry, January 2014
SAFETY immediate treatment is the best defense for both a positive outcome and minimal financial impact The ANSI Z3581 2009 standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment establishes a universal minimum performance and use requirement for all eyewash and drench shower equipment used for the treatment of the eyes face and body of a person who has been exposed to hazardous materials and chemicals Because there is no Canadian standard for the design or placement of eyewash stations the ANSI standard is generally used as a guide in that country as well ANSI requires that the first step following chemical contact of any kind with the eyes including caustics acids solvents and other hazardous materials is immediate flushing of the eyes with water According to the standard such water may be any potable drinking water preserved water preserved buffered saline solution or other medically acceptable solution The first 10 to 15 seconds after exposure to a hazardous substance especially a corrosive substance are critical Delaying treatment even for a few seconds may cause serious injury For this reason ANSI calls for eyewash stations to be located within a 10 second walk from the hazard To ensure easy access to a station within 10 seconds it must be located on the same level as the hazard with no steps stairs or obstructions In the case of strong caustics and strong acids eyewash must be located immediately adjacent to the hazard The area surrounding the station should be well lit and marked with a sign that is highly visible to everyone served by it Once an injured worker reaches the station ANSI calls for the eyes to be flushed continuously for a full 15 minutes with fluid flowing at a rate of 04 gallons per minute for portable and plumbed eyewash stations This fluid must be delivered at a tepid temperature defined as ranging between 60 F and 100 F in order to safely treat eyes without causing further injury or discomfort Fluid that is too cold may prevent workers from flushing for the full 15 minutes and fluid exceeding 100 degrees can harm the eyes and even exacerbate chemical reaction with the eyes and skin P Q Information for this article courtesy of Honeywell Safety Products www honeywellsafety com More than 2000 people injure their eyes at work each day in the U S Mark Your Calendar Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center Blasters Weekend February 8 9 2014 Register online at www isee org For more information International Society of Explosives Engineers Tel 440 349 4400 Fax 440 349 3788 www isee org 74 PIT QUARRY January 2014 www pitandquarry com
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