Environment, Health and Safety

5.5 Emergency Eyewash and Showers

5.5 Emergency Eyewash and Showers

5.5 Emergency Eyewashes and Safety Showers

Emergency eyewashes and safety showers are critical engineering controls intended to reduce injury severity following chemical splashes, spills, or exposures. Laboratories using hazardous chemicals—especially corrosives, toxics, or materials capable of causing eye or skin injury—must have ready access to appropriate emergency eyewash and/or shower equipment.

Emergency eyewashes and showers are required by OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.151 – Medical Services and First Aid. Additional expectations for performance, location, accessibility, and maintenance are described in ANSI/ISEA Z358.1.

Emergency eyewashes and showers must be readily accessible, clearly identified, and free of obstructions. As a general rule, equipment should be reachable within approximately 10 seconds from the hazard. Units must deliver sufficient flow of tepid water for continuous flushing to support effective decontamination.

Handheld squeeze bottles or personal eyewash bottles do not qualify as approved emergency eyewashes and must not be used as a substitute for plumbed equipment. They may be used only as a supplemental measure when plumbed equipment is also available.

5.5.1 Emergency Eyewash and Showers - Routine Availability, Activation, and Reporting

5.5.1 Emergency Eyewash and Showers - Routine Availability, Activation, and Reporting

5.5.1 Routine Availability, Activation, and Reporting

Keeping emergency eyewashes and showers ready for use is a shared responsibility that supports a strong safety culture. Routine checks and activation help ensure equipment functions properly and reduces the potential for sediment or bacterial buildup in water lines.

Weekly activation and documentation

Laboratories are responsible for activating plumbed emergency eyewashes on a weekly basis. Activation should be long enough to verify proper operation (adequate flow and spray pattern) and to clear the line. Weekly activation must be documented using the Eyewash Testing Sheet.

Access and basic readiness

Emergency eyewashes and showers must remain accessible at all times. Do not block access with carts, equipment, storage, or furniture. Eyewash nozzle dust covers must remain in place to help prevent contamination and obstruction.

Reporting problems

If an eyewash or emergency shower is not functioning properly, has missing components, or shows signs of damage or corrosion, report the issue promptly to the Building Coordinator or Facilities. If a unit is non-functional, post a “Do Not Use” sign and identify an alternate nearby unit until repairs are completed.

Periodic inspections

In addition to laboratory weekly activation, periodic inspections may be performed as part of the University’s Safety Shower and Eyewash (SEW) testing and maintenance program. EHS provides program oversight and guidance.

5.5.2 Emergency Eyewash and Showers - Emergency Use Procedures

5.5.2 Emergency Eyewash and Showers - Emergency Use Procedures

5.5.2 Emergency Use Procedures

Plan work with emergencies in mind. Before working with hazardous chemicals, identify the nearest emergency eyewash and safety shower and ensure the path is clear.

In an emergency, begin flushing immediately and continuously. Do not delay flushing to locate supplies, clean up, or avoid water on the floor.

Eyewash use

  1. If a chemical enters the eyes, call out for help if others are nearby.
  2. Immediately go to the nearest eyewash and activate it fully.
  3. Position eyes in the water stream and begin flushing immediately.
  4. Hold eyelids open and roll eyes to ensure thorough irrigation.
  5. Flush continuously for at least 15 minutes or until help arrives. For hydrofluoric acid exposures, follow the specific hydrofluoric acid precautions.
  6. After flushing, seek medical evaluation.
  7. Complete an Injury/Illness Exposure Report.

If assisting another person, help them reach the eyewash, activate the unit, and support continuous flushing while contacting emergency services.

Emergency shower use

  1. If hazardous chemicals contact the skin, call out for help if others are nearby.
  2. Immediately go to the nearest emergency shower and activate it.
  3. Once under the water stream, begin removing contaminated clothing while flushing. Removing clothing is recommended, but flushing takes priority.
  4. Flush continuously for at least 15 minutes or until help arrives. For hydrofluoric acid exposures, follow the specific hydrofluoric acid precautions.
  5. After flushing, seek medical evaluation.
  6. Complete an Injury/Illness Exposure Report.

If assisting another person and it is safe to do so, help them reach and activate the shower and support continuous flushing while contacting emergency services.

Emergencies: call 911 from a Cornell landline or call 607-255-1111 from a mobile phone.

Note: In an emergency, effective flushing is the priority. If modesty is a concern, lab coats or other barriers may be used to provide privacy while flushing continues. When assisting another person, wear gloves if available. Do not stop flushing due to flooding or property damage concerns.

5.5.3 New Installations and Modifications

5.5.3 New Installations and Modifications

5.5.3 New Installations and Modifications

New emergency eyewashes and safety showers, as well as modifications to existing units, must be coordinated through Facilities Engineering, EHS, and the appropriate campus service shops. Fixture location, type, and accessibility requirements are reviewed during design in accordance with Cornell Design & Construction Standard 224500 – Safety Showers and Eyewashes.

The Project Manager is responsible for coordinating with the installer to deliver a complete, code-compliant, and fully commissioned emergency eyewash or shower installation in accordance with applicable design standards and ANSI/ISEA Z358.1. EHS does not commission emergency eyewashes or showers.

Following project turnover, the Project Manager is responsible for ensuring the fixture is entered into Maximo with appropriate asset information so it can be incorporated into the University’s routine Safety Shower and Eyewash (SEW) testing and maintenance program.

Once commissioning is complete and the fixture has been entered into Maximo, EHS can provide fixture identification tags to support incorporation into the SEW testing program.