| Procedure For Operation of Emergency Shower |
1.0 PURPOSE: To lay down the procedure for operation of Emergency Shower in QC lab. 2.0 SCOPE: This procedure is applicable for operation of Emergency Shower. 3.0 RESPONSIBILITY: Quality Control Chemist/Executive/Sr. Executive 4.0 ACCOUNTABILITY: Head Quality Control. To Read this SOP Click here SOP for General Safety In Microbiology Lab. 5.0 PROCEDURE: 5.1. Precautions: 5.1.1. Emergency unit shall be identified with a highly visible sign in well lighted area. 5.1.2. The area around the emergency unit shall be clear, unobstructed and have no items hanging on them. 5.1.3. There shall be no sharp projections anywhere in the operating area of the unit. 5.1.4. Emergency eyewash equipment shall ensure that a controlled flow of potable tepid water is provided to both eyes simultaneously at a velocity low enough not to be injurious to the user. 5.1.5. Begin flushing as quickly as possible after the eye comes in contact with a harmful substance as the first 10 seconds are critical. 5.1.6. Toxic substances, when coming in contact with the eye, immediately begin to damage sensitive eye tissues. 5.1.7. However, other references recommend a minimum 20-minute flushing period if the nature of the contaminant is not known. 5.1.8. The flushing or rinsing time can be modified if the identity and properties of the chemicals are known. For example: 1. A minimum 5-minute flushing time is recommended for mildly irritating chemicals. 2. At least 20 minutes for moderate-to-sever irritants. 3. 20 minutes for non-penetrating corrosives. 4. At least 60 minutes for penetrating corrosives. 5.1.9. In all cases, if irritation persists, repeat the flushing procedure. It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible after first aid has been given immediately. 5.2. Operation procedure: 5.2.1. If a chemical comes in contact of eyes, immediately reach at emergency shower. 5.2.2. Hold your eyes open with your hands while using eyewash to be sure water reaches the eyes. 5.2.3. Push the “PUSH” liver of the shower manually, the water flow to be continued as per chemical nature or until complete chemical removed from the eyes and irritation is reduced. 5.2.4. If a chemical or toxic substance spilled on the body part then hold yourself below the shower and pulled out the “PULL” chain immediately, water flow to be continued as per chemical nature or until the complete chemical removed from the body part. 5.2.5. While assisting injured person provide clean cover for privacy while removing contaminated clothing after the shower has been activated. 5.2.6. Immediately wash off even small amounts of chemicals. 5.3. Verification procedure: 5.3.1. Plumbed eyewashes shall be activated when labs are in use for a period long enough to verify operation and ensure flushing is available. 5.3.2. Visually inspection the unit for leaks or pipe damage and proper replacement. 5.3.3. Ensure that the unit is free of any obstructions. 5.3.4. Verify the performance of emergency shower once in a month. 5.3.5. Observe the record in emergency shower verification record. |
