Safety Policies and Procedures Manual
Chapter 5: Chemical/Hazardous Material Safety

Eyewashes and Safety Showers

SPPM 5.15

For more information contact:
   Environmental Health and Safety
   509-335-3041 / ehs@wsu.edu

1.0   Policy

Where the eyes or major portions of the body of any person may be exposed to corrosive, toxic, or strong irritant chemicals, departments are to provide emergency washing facilities within 10 seconds and 50 feet of the work area for emergency use to quickly drench or flush the eyes and/or body. See below (Section 1.1) for special provisions for those working with pesticides.

Note: Refer to manufacturer safety data sheets. A strong eye irritant will typically receive a globally harmonized system H319 hazard statement.

1.1   Pesticide Handlers

For general washing, at least 10 gallons of water for one employee and 20 gallons of water for two or more employees must be provided at mixing and loading sites that do not have running water.  See Section 2.1 for eye washing requirements.

When personnel load or mix pesticides with labeling that requires protective eyewear, a plumbed or portable emergency eyewash must be available which is capable of providing running water at a rate of 0.4 gallons per minute for at least 15 minutes. WAC 296-307-11225

When applying pesticides requiring protective eyewear, each handler must be provided at least one (1) pint of water for immediate use.

Water sources used for mixing pesticides must not be used for decontamination unless sufficient valves or backflow-preventers can prevent contamination.

1.2   Pesticide Workers

After application of pesticides with a restricted entry interval less than 4 hours, 1 gallon of water must be provided to each worker entering the treated area until 7 days after the restricted entry interval expires.

After application of pesticides with a restricted entry interval greater than 4 hours, 1 gallon of water must be provided to each worker entering the treated area until 30 days after the restricted entry interval expires.

When workers perform early entry activities before the expiration of a restricted entry interval, at least 10 gallons of water for one employee and 20 gallons of water for two or more employees must be provided at mixing and loading sites that do not have running water. 

See WAC 296-307-10930.

Decontamination supplies must not be more than one-quarter mile from where workers are working, except that where workers are working more than one-quarter mile from the nearest place of vehicular access or more than one-quarter mile from any nontreated area, the decontamination supplies may be at the nearest place of vehicular access outside any treated area.

For other activities involving the use of chemicals that are not at a fixed location, contact Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) for an evaluation and recommendation.

1.3    Emergency Washing Facilities

Emergency washing facilities are not to be substitutes for the use of appropriate attire and personal protective devices, e.g., goggles. See SPPM 2.60.

1.3.a   Installation

There are several types of emergency washing facilities, e.g., plumbed, portable/self-contained, personal, drench hoses, or safety showers. Contact EH&S for an evaluation of emergency washing facility requirements.

2.0   Training

The principal investigator or supervisor is responsible for providing instructions regarding the location and use of emergency washing facilities.

2.1    Eye Washing

To wash eyes, hold the eyelids open and roll the eyeballs so that flushing fluid will flow on all surfaces of the eyes and under the eyelids.

Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the amount of time required to flush the specific chemical from the eyes. See SPPM 5.10. If the SDS does not specify a time:

  • Immediately wash the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelid with at least 0.4 gallons of running water per minute for 15 minutes or more; or
  • Provide a gentle eye-flush with 6 gallons of water for about 15 minutes.

2.2    Drench Hosing

Drench hoses may be used to irrigate and flush the face or other parts of the body.

Use drench hoses in addition to emergency washing facilities. Do not substitute drench hoses for emergency showers or eyewashes.

Note: Dual head drench hoses (eye wash drench hoses) that remain on once activated meet the requirements for an emergency eyewash. 

3.0   Activations and Inspections

3.1    Eyewashes and Drench Hoses

3.1.a   Principal Investigator (PI)/Supervisor

The PI, supervisor, or designee activates all eyewashes and drench hoses weekly. Note: Weekly activation of eyewashes and drench hoses also helps personnel remember their location when needed.

The PI, supervisor, or designee also ensures the following in their assigned area:

  • Emergency eyewash and drench hose areas are free from obstructions.
  • Sufficient time is allowed for the water from the eyewash or drench hose to run clear.
  • Eyewash spray heads produce an even flow without blockage, and the streams of water from each spray head can reach both eyes simultaneously where the streams meet approximately 8 inches above the spray heads.
  • Drench hose water streams are adequate to flush the face or other parts of the body.
  • Dust caps are in good order and cover the eyewash and drench hose spray heads.
  • All parts are in good condition and operable, with no leaks.
  • Emergency washing facilities using lab water or any other type of nonpotable water are labeled with signs indicating the water is nonpotable.
3.1.b   Campus Facilities Departments

Campus facilities departments inspect:

  • Eyewashes annually to ensure delivery of 0.4 gallons of water per minute and evaluate water temperature; and
  • Drench hoses annually to ensure delivery of three (3) gallons of water per minute.

Contact Facilities Services, Operations or EH&S for assistance with verifying proper eyewash and drench hose operation. 

3.1.c   Report Problems
3.1.c.i  WSU Pullman

At the WSU Pullman campus, submit a work request to Facilities Services, Operations through myFacilities to report units that are not functioning in accordance with the requirements in Sections 3.1.a and 3.1.b.

See also BPPM 80.45.

3.1.c.ii  Other Campus Locations 

At other campus locations, contact the campus facilities department to report units that are not functioning in accordance with the requirements in Sections 3.1.a and 3.1.b.

3.2    Emergency Showers

3.2.a   Departments

Departments are to ensure the area beneath and surrounding safety showers remains clear and free from obstructions to enable emergency access.

3.2.b   Campus Facilities Departments
3.2.b.i   Initial Installation

Campus Facilities departments inspect all emergency showers upon initial installation. Project managers ensure that each new safety shower is entered into the equipment database for long term tracking. See BPPM 20.50.

3.2.b.ii   Inspection Criteria

Campus Facilities departments inspect emergency showers annually for the following criteria:

  • Emergency showers deliver at least 20 gallons of water per minute.
  • All parts are in good condition and operable.
  • Emergency washing facilities using lab water or any other type of nonpotable water are labeled with signs indicating that the water is nonpotable. Facilities Services, Operations labels emergency washing facilities.

Contact Facilities Services, Operations or EH&S for additional information regarding verifying proper emergency shower operation.

3.2.c   Report Problems
3.2.c.i   WSU Pullman

At the WSU Pullman campus, submit a work request to Facilities Services, Operations through myFacilities to report units that are not functioning in accordance with the requirements in Section 3.2.b.

See also BPPM 80.45.

 3.2.c.ii   Other Campus Locations

WSU Vancouver – Submit a work order through AIM, call Facilities Services at 360-546-9000, or call EH&S at 360-546-9706.

WSU Tri-Cities – Submit a work order through AIM, and notify EH&S at tricities.ehscompliance@wsu.edu.

At other campus locations, contact the campus facilities services department to report units that are not functioning in accordance with the requirements in Section 3.2.b.

4.0   Other Resources

WAC 296-800 (-15030, -15035, and -15040)

WAC 296-307 (-112 through -11420)

SPPM 2.60 General Requirements for PPE

SPPM 5.10 Chemical Hazard Communication Program

BPPM 80.45 Requesting Facilities Operations Services

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Revisions:  May 2024 (Rev. 144); May 2019 (Rev. 118); Apr. 2010 (Rev. 83); Jan. 2004 (Rev. 51); July 2003 (Rev. 49); Oct. 1988 – new policy (Rev. 5).