Flush Out The Contravention – Safety & Health Week 2022

One of the most important aspects of Safety and Health Week is awareness. This year, to recognize and support Safety and Health week and our industries we will be highlighting the importance of following Occupational Health & Safety legislation by discussing some of the top 10 OH&S Contraventions issued in Saskatchewan in 2021 in the community service and hospitality businesses. Below you will find out more about OH&S Regulation 21-12 – Eye Flushing Equipment: 

The first 10 to 15 seconds after exposure to a hazardous substance, especially a corrosive substance, are critical. Delaying treatment, even for a few seconds, may cause serious injury.

Keeping emergency eyewash stations in locations that are readily available for workers to access is KEY! The average adult can walk about 15 meters in about 10 seconds, take into consideration:

1. Where is your eyewash station? Is it a permanent location, or is it portable?

2. If you are a large-scale organization, do you require more than one?

3. Do your workers know where it is located, so they could find it during an emergency?

Emergency eyewash stations provide on-the-spot decontamination. They allow workers to flush away hazardous substances that can cause injury.

The location of each emergency eyewash station should be:

1. Identified with a highly visible sign 

2. The sign should be in the form of a symbol

3. The location should be well lit.

And here are some other things to consider:

• It should be located as close to the hazard as possible

• Make sure workers can easily see them

• Have it on the same floor as the hazard

• Located eyewash stations near an emergency exit if possible so that any responding emergency response personnel can reach the person easily,

• And make sure it’s in an area where further contamination will not occur

One final question for you…

When was the last time you inspected your eyewash solution? Has it expired?