Injuries caused by chemicals in the eyes can be among the most painful and most dangerous in the workplace. As a result, it is essential to install eyewash stations in your warehouse or work yard if there is the chance that employees may be exposed to caustic substances.
If you accidentally get caustic chemicals in your eyes, the first thing to remember is not to panic. Make your way as quickly as possible to the nearest eyewash station, shouting out to your co-workers for help as you go. When you arrive at the eyewash station, turn the eyewash on using either the foot controls or the faucet spigots. Remove any contact lenses or glasses and rinse both eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
Continuous Flushing for At Least 15 Minutes
As you are flushing your eyes, use your hands to hold your eyelids open to ensure adequate flushing of the chemical irritants from your eyes. If you are in pain, this may be difficult to do but it is essential to removing the chemicals from your eyes as quickly as possible. In the meantime, notify one of your co-workers to contact emergency personnel by calling 9-1-1. You should continue rinsing your eyes until emergency medical personnel arrive to assist you further. Avoid rubbing your eyes because this may push the chemicals deeper into your eye sockets, potentially causing additional harm and pain.
The emergency eyewash station is for first aid only and is not considered medical treatment for chemical exposures. It’s important that you seek proper medical attention whenever you suffer a chemical exposure to your eyes. Make sure you tell medical personnel what chemicals your eyes were exposed to so that they can effectively treat the injury as quickly as possible.
Immediate Treatment is Critical
The first 10 to 15 seconds after exposure to hazardous substances is critical. Delaying treatment even a few seconds could make the difference between serious injury and complete recovery. Water is the most common flushing liquid, although buffered saline solution may also be used. Eyewash stations are designed to delivery a continuous low-pressure flow of water.
The water will not neutralize contaminants, but it will dilute them. This is why large amounts of water for a minimum of 15 continuous minutes is recommended. Shorter rinsing times may be used if your eyes have been exposed to mildly irritating chemicals, however. Longer rinsing times of up to 60 minutes may be required for penetrating corrosives, such as alkalis, hydrofluoric acid and phenol which can enter the skin or eyes deeply.
Bahrns carries a full line of eyewash stations, showers and other safety accessories. Eyewash stations provide you with the added security for quick response in the event of a chemical exposure to the eyes.