Duke University Issues Lab Safety Guide for Eyewash Stations

In high-pressure research environments, a chemical splash to the eyes can instantly become a career-altering emergency. The immediate availability and proper functioning of eyewash stations often make the difference between temporary discomfort and permanent vision damage. Recent inspections by Duke University's Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) revealed common maintenance issues with emergency eyewash equipment. This comprehensive guide outlines critical maintenance protocols to ensure laboratory safety.

Eyewash stations require weekly flushing to maintain clean, contaminant-free water supplies. This routine procedure prevents sediment buildup and bacterial growth in stagnant water lines. Most Duke University work areas assign local staff to perform this essential maintenance, including shared laboratory spaces where each research team must verify their eyewash stations receive regular attention.

• Scheduled maintenance: Establish fixed weekly times (e.g., Friday afternoons) to create consistent maintenance habits.
• Thorough flushing: Run water for 3-5 minutes to completely replace standing water in pipes.
• Water quality inspection: Observe for cloudiness, discoloration, or unusual odors during flushing. Report abnormalities immediately.

Proper record-keeping ensures compliance and identifies maintenance patterns. Facilities should maintain detailed logs of all eyewash station servicing.

• Date and time: Precise documentation of each maintenance event.
• Staff identification: Record the name or ID of personnel performing maintenance.
• Condition report: Note water clarity and any observed abnormalities.
• Issue tracking: Document malfunctions like low water pressure or nozzle obstructions.

Proper use of dust covers prevents nozzle clogging from airborne particles. Simple actions like securing covers after use significantly impact equipment reliability during emergencies.

• Regular inspection: Check covers for damage or misalignment.
• Cleaning protocol: Remove accumulated dust from covers during maintenance.
• Proper installation: Ensure covers seal completely to prevent debris entry.

Eyewash stations require unobstructed access within a 6-inch radius of spray heads. Many laboratories successfully mark these zones with colored floor tape. Similarly, safety showers must maintain 16 inches of clearance below shower heads.

• Visual demarcation: Use high-contrast tape or signage to identify keep-clear zones.
• Routine checks: Verify clearance during weekly safety inspections.
• Space management: Assign responsibility for maintaining emergency equipment access.

Certified technicians should perform detailed annual inspections using standardized procedures. Most facilities utilize inspection cards to document these evaluations, which laboratory staff should not alter.

• Collaboration: Provide technicians with full access during inspections.
• Problem reporting: Communicate any observed issues to inspectors.
• Process awareness: Understand inspection requirements to facilitate evaluations.

Immediate reporting of malfunctions prevents equipment failures during emergencies. Common issues include damaged covers, inconsistent water flow, or misaligned spray heads.

• Detailed reporting: Specify the nature and severity of malfunctions.
• Location accuracy: Precisely identify affected equipment locations.
• Repair follow-up: Monitor service completion timelines.

University safety manuals provide detailed requirements for emergency equipment maintenance. Understanding these standards helps laboratories maintain compliance and prioritize researcher safety.

• Policy review: Regularly consult institutional safety documentation.
• Implementation: Integrate policy requirements into laboratory protocols.
• Continuous improvement: Update procedures to reflect evolving safety standards.

Proper eyewash station maintenance remains critical for research facility safety. These essential devices must remain fully operational, as emergencies occur without warning. Through consistent maintenance practices and collective responsibility, research institutions can better protect their scientific workforce.