Page 54 - School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 3: Development of Protocols
49
Chapter 3.L. Preparing to Respond to a Chemical Exposure
Introduction
If the disinfectant and sanitizer products are corrosive in a concentrated form (e.g. QACs,
bleach) or are flammable (e.g., alcohol, alcohol-based hand sanitizers), OSHA standards and
Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations require the provision of an emergency eyewash
facility.
A school’s protocol should address the location, selection, installation, maintenance, and testing of
emergency eyewash and shower equipment. To minimize the number of emergency eyewash stations
that are required,
1. Use products that do not require their use, such as water-based (nonflammable) and
neutral PH (noncorrosive) products.
2. Implement engineering controls to reduce the potential for exposure; for example, the
use of closed or automatic chemical-dispensing systems, splash guards, or long-handled
spraying and cleaning tools.
3. Centralize facilities for storing and dispensing flammable and corrosive products.
If an eyewash station is not available in the area where the disinfectant is dispensed and used, a
diluted, ready-to-use disinfectant product may be a better choice (if it does not require the use of
an eyewash or PPE).
Plumbed Emergency Wash Stations: Eyewash and Emergency Deluge Shower
x Regulatory citations
o For corrosives: OSHA Emergency Eyewash and Showers 29 CFR Part
1910.151(c)
o For corrosives and flammables: MA Fire Prevention Regulations General
Provisions 527 CMR 10
x General requirements for emergency wash stations
o The station should be located within approximately 50 feet or a 10-second walk of
the hazard and be easily accessible.1
o Water temperature should be kept between 70°F and 90°F.1
o All eyewashes and showers should be approved by the American National
Standards Institute.
o Signage (at least 70 square inches and in contrasting colors such as red and white
or green and white) should be posted, indicating the location of each type of
equipment: “Emergency Shower” or “Emergency Eyewash.” 1
o When possible, the emergency wash system should trigger an alarm when
activated to alert other people that there is an emergency.
o The system should have a mechanism that enables it to stay on, allowing the
hands to be kept free for cleaning off chemicals.