An emergency shower and eye wash station must be available within in a ten second walk from each area where hazardous substances are used, be clearly labeled, and easily accessible. All laboratory personnel must know the location of the nearest shower and eye wash stations and must be trained in their use. If a shower is not available in the laboratory, one should be available in the hallway adjacent to the laboratory.
Emergency showers are designed to provide immediate response to chemical exposures that cover a significant part of the body. Eye wash stations are designed to provide a soft stream of aerated water to rinse the eye. Eye wash stations must be capable of providing water for at least 15 minutes without interruption. Once the flow has begun, hands should be free to hold the eyelids open to better expose eyes to the rinsing action of the water.
Both emergency showers and eye wash stations must be flushed every two weeks to verify that they are operating properly and the effluent is clear.