SOP Guide for Pharma

SOP for Emergency Showers and Eyewash Stations for Chemical Exposure

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SOP for Emergency Showers and Eyewash Stations for Chemical Exposure

Standard Operating Procedure for Emergency Showers and Eyewash Stations for Chemical Exposure

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish procedures for the proper use, maintenance, and testing of emergency showers and eyewash stations to ensure quick and effective decontamination in case of chemical exposure.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel working in laboratories, chemical storage areas, production units, and any other location where hazardous chemicals are handled or stored.

3) Responsibilities

  • Supervisors: Ensure emergency showers and eyewash stations are accessible, operational, and tested regularly.
  • Safety Officers: Conduct periodic inspections and oversee corrective actions for malfunctioning equipment.
  • Maintenance Team: Perform scheduled maintenance, cleaning, and repairs of equipment.
  • Employees: Use emergency showers and eyewash stations appropriately during incidents and report any malfunctions.

4) Procedure

4.1 Location and Accessibility

  1. Install emergency showers and eyewash stations:
    • Within 10 seconds walking distance (approximately 15-20 meters) of hazardous chemical workstations.
    • On the same level where chemicals are handled or stored.

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  2. Ensure clear visibility and signage:
    • Mark all emergency showers and eyewash stations with highly visible green-and-white “Emergency Shower/Eyewash” signs.
    • Ensure no obstructions block access to the equipment.
See also  SOP for Sampling Hazardous Materials Safely

4.2 Operation of Emergency Showers and Eyewash Stations

Personnel must be trained to respond quickly and appropriately in the event

of chemical exposure:
  1. Emergency Showers:
    1. Activate the shower by pulling the handle or stepping on the foot pedal.
    2. Stand directly under the water stream to rinse the entire body for at least 15 minutes.
    3. Remove contaminated clothing immediately while rinsing.
    4. Seek medical assistance immediately after using the shower.

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  2. Eyewash Stations:
    1. Activate the eyewash station by pushing the lever or foot pedal.
    2. Hold eyelids open with clean hands and position eyes directly in the water stream.
    3. Flush eyes continuously for at least 15 minutes to ensure chemical removal.
    4. Remove contact lenses after initial rinsing to ensure complete flushing.
    5. Seek immediate medical attention after use.

4.3 Inspection and Testing of Equipment

To ensure the functionality of emergency showers and eyewash stations, inspections and testing must be performed regularly.

  1. Weekly Inspections:
    1. Test emergency showers and eyewash stations by activating them briefly.
    2. Check for:
      • Steady water flow (minimum 20 gallons per minute for showers, 0.4 gallons per minute for eyewash stations)
      • Clean and uncontaminated water
      • No leaks or obstructions
      • Proper activation mechanism (handles, levers, or pedals)
    3. Record inspection findings in the Weekly Inspection Log (Annexure 1).

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  2. Monthly Maintenance:
    1. Flush emergency showers and eyewash stations for 5 minutes to clear stagnant water.
    2. Clean nozzles, drains, and surrounding areas to ensure hygiene.
    3. Verify water temperature is within the tepid range (16°C to 38°C).
  3. Annual Calibration and Certification:
    1. Perform flow rate, temperature, and functional calibration annually.
    2. Replace or repair defective components as needed.
    3. Document annual certification in the Maintenance Log (Annexure 2).
See also  SOP for Using Secondary Containment Systems for Liquid Waste

4.4 Training and Awareness

  1. Provide training to all employees on:
    • The location and proper use of emergency showers and eyewash stations.
    • Emergency response procedures for chemical exposures.

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  2. Conduct mock emergency drills bi-annually to assess response time and awareness.
  3. Maintain training records in the Employee Training Log (Annexure 3).

4.5 Incident Reporting

  1. In the event of chemical exposure:
    • Report the incident immediately to the Supervisor and Safety Officer.
    • Document details in the Incident Report Log (Annexure 4), including:
      • Date, time, and location
      • Nature of chemical exposure
      • Actions taken, including use of emergency equipment
      • Medical treatment received
  2. Conduct a post-incident investigation to identify the root cause and implement preventive measures.
See also  SOP for Responding to Electrical Fires

5) Abbreviations, if any

  • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
  • SDS: Safety Data Sheet

6) Documents, if any

  • Weekly Inspection Log
  • Maintenance Log
  • Employee Training Log
  • Incident Report Log

7) Reference, if any

  • OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c): Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment
  • ANSI Z358.1-2014: Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Weekly Inspection Log
Date Location Equipment Type Inspection Findings Corrective Actions Inspected By
DD/MM/YYYY Lab Area 1 Eyewash Station Operational, no leaks None Inspector Name

Template 2: Incident Report Log
Date Location Exposure Type Actions Taken Reported By
DD/MM/YYYY Lab Area 2 Acid Exposure Flushed for 15 minutes, medical attention Employee Name
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