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Access & Proximity to Eyewash Stations Near Chemical Hazards in an Industrial Manufacturing Setting

Presentation by Mary Macin

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Background|Company Current Conditions at Mitsubishi

+Background|OSHA Regulations

The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.

“…where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.”

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151

Background|Stats Incidence of Eye Injuries due to Chemicals

☛  Chemical burns accounted for 11.4% of occupational eye injuries in 2002

☛  Ranked #3 cause of eye injuries in the U.S.

☛  2.8% of all injuries & illnesses in 2005 were eye injuries

+Preliminary

Hazard

Analysis

After assessing all of the hazards that could result from storing hazardous chemicals, I focused on those that presented a potential danger to the eyes

+Breakdown of Chemical Hazards

44% were considered moderate risk

+Potential Eye Hazards From the storage and use of hazardous chemicals

+ Emergency Eyewash Station

Add or relocate eyewash station •  more than 60 ft from the chemical storage area •  more than a 10 sec walk from hazard •  cluttered/partially blocked surroundings •  not located in area of hazard •  entrance to chemical storage area

Recommendations: - Engineering Controls

+ Personal Protective Equipment

Recommendations: - PPE Controls

Pyramex G204 In-direct Vent Goggles • Vent caps restrict the influx of liquids • Maximum Splash Protection • Protect against liquid chemical hazards (chemical splashes)

+ Chemical Hazard Signage

Recommendations: - Administrative Controls

Post appropriate signage within the chemical storage area to inform workers of the:

• requirements • location • proper use

of the provided PPE

+NFPA Chemical Hazard Labels

  This is only a sample of the chemicals being stored in the chemical storage area

  These NFPA ratings were listed in the MSDS for each chemical

  Range from very low hazard (Degreaser) to moderately high hazard (Spray Sealer and Protective Coating)

Inside the Chemical Storage Area Each chemical shown here is required to have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS specifies NFPA ratings, transportation guidelines, recommended PPE, and other environmental, health, and safety information

Questions???