{"id":14478,"date":"2017-05-24T09:52:40","date_gmt":"2017-05-24T13:52:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ehs\/?page_id=14478"},"modified":"2024-07-12T11:59:24","modified_gmt":"2024-07-12T15:59:24","slug":"weekly-flush-steps","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ehs\/residential-safety-home\/residential-safety-programs-services\/industrial-hygiene\/safety-shower-and-eyewash-toolkit\/weekly-flush-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekly Flush Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

To ensure a properly-functioning eyewash station with clean water in the event of an emergency, laboratories must flush their eyewash station weekly<\/a>. When performing a weekly eyewash flush, check the following:<\/p>\n

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  1. Ensure that the eyewash station is easily identifiable and unobstructed.<\/li>\n
  2. Ensure that the eyewash station activates easily with one-handed control, the flow removes eyepiece covers, and water flows evenly and in a steady stream.<\/li>\n
  3. Allow the eyewash station to run until the water is clear. The intent of flushing is to remove any stagnant water or accumulated sediment\/corrosion from the line.\u00a0 If this is your first time flushing the station, you may have to run it longer to ensure that the water is clean.<\/li>\n
  4. If your eyewash station does not have a drain, ensure you use a bucket to capture the water.<\/li>\n
  5. Complete an online service request for any water flow or unit deficiencies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Access and signage:<\/strong> Ensure that the eyewash station is easily identifiable and unobstructed. Carts, chairs, glassware and equipment can all obstruct an eyewash station, which may slow the response in the event of an emergency. If you have to use an eyewash station in an emergency you won\u2019t be able to see very well!<\/p>\n

    Operation:<\/strong> Ensure that the eyewash station activates easily with one-handed control, the flow removes eyepiece covers, and water flows evenly and in a steady stream.<\/p>\n

    Water:<\/strong> Allow the eyewash station to run for 1-3 minutes to flush stagnant water from the line. If this is your first time flushing the station, you may have to run it longer to ensure that the water is clean.<\/p>\n

    Report malfunctioning eyewash stations to Facilities Management. On the Charles River Campus, call 353-2105. On the Medical Campus, call 358-6666.<\/p>\n

    Helpful hints:<\/strong><\/p>\n