What is a Flushing Fluid?
Providing On-the-Spot Decontamination
Accidental chemical exposures can occur
even with good engineering controls
and safety precautions. As a result, it is essential
to look beyond the use of goggles,
face shields, and procedures for using personal
protective equipment. Emergency
showers and eyewash stations are a necessary
backup to minimize the effects of accident
exposure to chemicals.
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.
Emergency showers and eyewash stations
provide on-the-spot decontamination. They
allow workers to flush away hazardous substances
that can cause injury.
Emergency showers can also be used effectively
in extinguishing clothing fires or
for flushing contaminants off clothing.
What is considered to be a ‘flushing fluid?’
The ANSI Standard Z358.1-2009 defines
“flushing fluid” as any potable (drinking) water,
preserved water, preserved buffered
saline solution or other medically acceptable
solutions. Local laws may apply in some
cases.
How long should the contact area be
rinsed/flushed?
For emergency showers and eyewash stations
to be effective, the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard for
Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment
(ANSI Z358.1-2009) recommends that
the affected body part must be flushed immediately
and thoroughly for at least 15 minutes
using a large supply of clean fluid under
low pressure. Water does not neutralize contaminants
— it only dilutes and washes them
away. This fact is why large amounts of water
are needed.
However, other references recommend a
minimum 20-minute flushing period if the
nature of the contaminant is not known. The
flushing or rinsing time can be modified if
the identity and properties of the chemical
are known.
For example:
• a minimum 5-minute flushing time is recommended
for mildly irritating chemicals;
• at least 20 minutes for moderate-to-severe
irritants;
• 20 minutes for non-penetrating corrosives,
and
• at least 60 minutes for penetrating corrosives.
Non-penetrating corrosives are chemicals
that react with human tissue to form a protective
layer, which limits the extent of damage.
Most acids are non-penetrating
corrosives. Penetrating corrosives, such as
most alkalies, hydrofluoric acid and phenol,
enter the skin or eyes deeply. Penetrating
corrosives require longer water flushing (a
minimum of 60 minutes) than non-penetrating
corrosives (a minimum of 20 minutes).
In all cases, if irritation persists, repeat the
flushing procedure. It is important to get medical
attention as soon as possible after first aid
has been given. A physician familiar with procedures
for treating chemical contamination
of the eyes and body should be consulted. FSM
