Environment, Health and Safety

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.