1. Introduction
This Chapter describes the justification, design and installation requirements for emergency eyewash and shower stations in Defence facilities.
A chemical exposure accident may cause injuries to eyes, face and other parts of a human body. Eye injuries are always serious, and require immediate treatment. The emergency shower and/or eyewash station is a necessary first aid response to minimise the effects of a chemical exposure accident. The emergency shower and/or eyewash station is supplementary to recognised engineering controls, safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Work areas and operations that may require emergency eyewash and shower stations include:
• Battery charging areas and workshops;
• Laboratories;
• Paint spraying and paint stripping operations areas;
• Hazardous substances preparation, storage and handling areas;
• Off loading and dispensing areas for aviation fuel and naval fuel storage facilities;
• Fuel Quality Control Centres;
• Cleaning and/or degreasing baths; and
• Explosive Ordnance (EO) storage, manufacture and preparation facilities.