ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- We are all responsible for safety, especially our own safety.
If you work with chemicals that have the potential to harm your eyes, you should ask yourself a few questions:
• Do the chemicals I work with pose a hazard to me if I accidently get some in my eyes?
Know what chemicals that you are working with and what the effects of an accidental exposure would be.
The best way to find this information is to consult your cost center's Safety Data Sheets. These documents will tell you, among other things, first aid measures recommended in the event of exposure.
• What do I do if I get exposed?
Familiarize yourself with the location of the closest emergency eye wash.
Ensure you know how to turn on the eyewash and how to keep your eyes open, so you can get the maximum benefit of the water flushing out your eyes.
• Is the eyewash in my work area kept in a clean, functional state? Will it work if needed?
Your cost center's assigned safety monitor is usually the person tasked with inspecting and maintaining the emergency eye wash station. An inspection log, which is usually kept nearby in a document protector, should be signed weekly as proof of the inspection.
• How do I get to the emergency eye wash station if I can't see?
Ensure you know exactly where the eye wash station is located and how to get there.
When you actually need to use the eye wash, there is a good chance you won't be able to see where you are going or how to get there. You may have to rely on someone to guide you.
In a worst case scenario, if you are working alone, you might have to get there on your own. That's why the area around and the path to the eyewash should be kept clear at all times.
You should be able to reach the eye wash station within 10 seconds.
• What do I do after I've rinsed my eyes?
Most of the time, and depending on the chemical you were exposed to, the emergency eye wash provides just the initial element of first aid. Your eyes will probably need to be checked and possibly treated by medical personnel.
Emergency eyewash and shower stations are a vital tool in safeguarding possible long term damage to your eyes and eyesight in the event of chemical exposure, but they are only a tool.
Without the proper training, they are not as effective. If the work you do exposes you to the risk of chemical exposure to your eyes, be sure you have been trained and are confident in the use of emergency eye wash stations.
If you have any questions, or for an evaluation of your work area, contact your supervisor or the Safety Office at Ext. 7541.
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