Emergency Eyewash and Safety Showers

Eye wash stations and safety showers provide immediate decontamination for individuals exposed to hazardous substances. They are critical in labs, workshops, and any area where chemicals or biohazards are used.

When to use:

• Chemical splashes to eyes or skin
• Accidental exposure to biological materials
• Chemical spills on clothing
• Dust or irritants causing eye distress

Exposure ➝ Use station ➝ Notify supervisor ➝ Seek medical help ➝ Report to OHS

Finding a Station
Eyewash and safety shower stations are typically located in laboratories, workshops, and chemical storage areas. If you are unsure where the nearest station is, consult your supervisor or contact Facilities Management.

1. Activate water by pushing lever.
2. Hold eyes open with fingers.
3. Flush for 15 minutes, rolling eyes occasionally.
4. Remove contacts after 1-2 minutes.
5. Seek medical attention immediately.

1. Pull the handle to activate.
2. Stand under the water; remove contaminated clothing.
3. Rinse skin and body for 15 minutes.
4. Do not shut off water early.
5. Get medical assistance.

Annual testing

Plumed eyewashes, emergency showers, and supplemental drench hoses must be tested annually to ensure conformance with installation and operation guidelines in ANSI Z358.1. The testing is required to be performed by Cintas.   Contact Facilities Mangement if you have questions on how to set up the annual test for your department.

Periodic Activation of Emergency Showers

Logistics prevent most departments from performing weekly activations of emergency showers as specified in ANSI Z358.1. When activations are feasible, the periodic activations should:

• Ensure that access to the shower is unobstructed.
• Visually inspect the shower to ensure that there are no broken parts, leakage etc.
• Check that the flow is effective and continuous.
• Maintain an activation log for all activations.
• Ensure that problems identified during the activation are resolved as soon as possible. If the unit is found to be non-operational, and there are no other units in the space as back-up, all work with hazardous material that require a shower must cease until the unit is repaired.

Anyone who works with or around hazardous chemicals—including laboratory personnel, maintenance staff, and other university employees—may need eyewash and safety shower training. This ensures individuals are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of chemical exposure.

The Eyewash and Safety Shower training can be found at UKY Learning Management System.

Notify Facilities Management if:

•  A station is not functioning properly
• A station is broken

Emergency (24/7) Contact: (859-257-2830)

Non-Emergency Inquiries: For general use questions or training assistance email: OHS@uky.edu