Emergency Eyewash-Safety Shower.doc

SCHENECTADY INTERNATIONAL, INC. Manual Title:NYS Work Instructions, Tier IVPage 7 of 7 Section:NYS Safety, Health, and Training ProcedureRevision: 1 Procedure:RM21680Date Issued:6/21/02EMERGENCY EYEWASH/SAFETY SHOWER1.0Purpose1.1. This procedure is designed to ensure adequate protection is available to all SII employees and contractors.1.2. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has issued performance standards and guidelines concerning the design, installation, and use of eyewash and safety shower units (ANSI Z358.1-1981). This document summarizes many of the issues located in the ANSI standard and is to be utilized to ensure the correct installation, use, and maintenance of the units. A copy of the ANSI standard is located in Appendix A.1.3. Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.2.0 Scope2.1. This procedure applies to all NYS SII facilities.3.0 References3.1. ANSI Z358.1-19903.2. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 - Eye Flushing3.3. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1048(i) Hygiene Protection4.0 Definitions4.1. Combination Unit: A unit containing a shower and eyewash or eyewash/face unit.4.2. Emergency Shower: A unit, which enables the user to cascade water over the entire body.4.3. Eye/face Wash: A unit, which enables the user to irrigate and flush both the face and eyes.4.4. Eyewash: A unit, which enables the user to irrigate and flush the eyes.4.5. Flushing Fluid: Potable water or other medically acceptable solution.5.0 Installation Specifications5.1. General Installation: The following general specifications apply to eyewash, safety shower, and combination units:5.1.1. The height of showerheads shall be between 82 and 96 inches from the ground from where the user stands.5.1.2. The safety shower units shall be installed away from barriers or obstructions such that the center of the shower spray pattern is located a minimum of 16 inches from the nearest equipment.5.1.3. The safety shower actuators shall be located no more than 69 inches from the ground where the user stands.5.1.4. The eyewash units shall be installed away from barriers or obstructions and at a minimum of six inches from the nearest equipment.5.1.5. The height of eyewash units shall be between 33 and 45 inches from the ground from where the user stands.5.1.6. The units shall be plumbed with non-corrosive piping (i.e. galvanized steel). Carbon steel piping shall not be utilized (consult the Engineering Department for specifications).5.1.7. The units shall be installed as close to the potential hazard as possible, without creating a hazard itself. As a guideline, it is recommended that the units be installed within 100 feet or 10 seconds travel time from the hazard area. Areas containing highly corrosive chemicals may be required to have units installed at shorter distances or lesser travel times.5.1.8. The units shall be labeled clearly with a highly visible sign and the area identified with a highly visible safety yellow paint and well lighted.5.1.9. The units shall be installed such that the water does not impact electrical equipment, incompatible chemicals, or any other equipment which can be harmed by the water and drawing of water.5.1.10. Installation of alarm systems is not required on eyewash/safety shower units.5.1.11. If an Area Manager believes that alarms should be present on any specific unit, a safety review will be conducted. Alarms to be installed such that activation will occur without additional action by the operator beyond opening the water valve.6.0 Insulation Specifications:6.1SII piping insulation requires a minimum of one-inch Fiberglass insulation. (See SII Engineering Specification Manual, Section XXXX800.7.0 Heat Tracing Specifications:7.1SII shall utilize, self regulating Nelson heater cable, with a performance rating of HLT8-120 service voltage-225 maximum length-maximum maintenance temperature 2500F-maximum intermittent exposure 3750F-T-rating T-3. (See Attachment A).8.0 Outdoor eyewash/shower:8.1. Type of models: Speakman model #SE6000-CID2 (or equivalent).9.0 Indoor eyewash shower specifications:9.1 Type of models: Speakman model SE 675 (or equivalent).10.0 Performance Specifications10.1 The following performance standards apply to eyewash, safety shower, and combination units:10.1.1 Emergency showers shall be in accessible locations that require no more than ten (10) seconds to reach and should be within travel distance no greater than 30.5 meters (100 feet) from the hazard.10.1.2 The safety showers shall deliver a minimum of 30 gallons per minute and the velocity of the water shall be low enough as to not cause injury to the operator.10.1.3 The eyewash units shall deliver a minimum of 3 gallons per minute and the velocity of the water shall be low enough as to not cause injury to the operator.10.1.4 The eyewash units shall have water streams flowing at an equal height such that both eyes can be flushed simultaneously.10.1.5 The units shall have control valves, which will activate within 1 second and remain activated until intentionally shut-off.10.1.6 Freeze protection shall be utilized on units, which are located outside or in areas where freezing temperatures may exist. It is the responsibility of the area departments supervisor to ensure that the units function properly during freeze condition, it is recommended that the water have a constant temperature between 60o and 90o F.10.1.7 The units shall be utilized for no other purpose than providing water for emergency care.10.1.8 The units are not intended to be utilized as a convenient water source for normal factory operations.11.0 Responsibilities11.1The following activities apply to eyewash, safety shower, and combination units:11.1.1The units shall be activated weekly by the area department personnel to flush the pipelines and verify proper operation. This will occur through the utilization of the Area Weekly Inspection form (RF00690).11.1.2 All inspections and corrective actions shall be documented by the area Department Supervisors.11.1.3 The Safety & Health Department should be contacted if problems are observed.11.1.4 During the months of December through February, the outdoor units and lines shall be flushed daily to verify operating status.11.1.5 All inspections and corrective actions shall be documented by the area Department Supervisors.11.1.6 The eyewash nozzles shall be protected from airborne contaminants.11.1.7 The means to remove the nozzle covers to facilitate operation of the unit shall be such that the operator does not have to perform separate actions other than activating the control valve in the eyewash units.11.1.8 No sharp projections shall be located within the operating area of the units.11.1.9 Access to the units shall be kept free and clear of any obstructions (production equipment, construction debris, snow, etc.) which may hinder safe operation of the units.11.1.10 If a unit is determined to be unable to provide emergency care, the unit shall be taken out-of-service and corrective actions shall be initiated immediately.11.1.11 A unit taken out of service shall be clearly labeled as such.11.1.12 A unit taken out of service shall be temporarily replaced by a portable unit and/or notification of all affected parties as to status and precautions shall be issued.12.0 Health, Safety and Training Department Responsibilities12.1 Inspection Procedures:12.1.1 All emergency safety shower/eyewash stations shall be physically tested and inspected each month. Upon physical inspection, the inspector shall ensure that there is an even flow and height from each spigot. The inspector shall ensure that the activation of the eyewash or shower is one step. The emergency safety shower/eyewash shall not be blocked. Access to the unit shall not be hindered. All spigots shall be inspected for any foreign material. All flow rates shall meet the requirements of the manufacturer and ANSI Z358.1 - 1990.12.1.2 All deficiencies shall be noted on the monthly inspection sheet (See attached example monthly inspection sheet). All repairs shall be initiated through the completion of Maintenance Work Orders. The corrective items shall be completed immediately.13.0 Records13.1 A record of the dates and the results of the monthly inspection shall be kept on file in the Health Safety, and Training Department for at least three years.14.0 Maintenance Department Responsibilities14.1 Maintenance shall institute a program to test and maintain the emergency eyewash/safety shower systems and combined units, which includes:14.1.1 Tagging all electrical shutoffs.14.1.2 Winterization programs.14.1.3 General maintenance, etc.NOTE: This does not include weekly or monthly inspections in other areas of the facility.15.0 General Requirements15.1 A pre-startup review of any eyewash/shower system including tracing and insulation shall be conducted prior to startup.15.2 All employees shall receive general tr