Emergency Safety Equipment

Fire Extinguishers  | Emergency Eyewash and Showers  | Spillkits  | Spill Absorbent Materials

Fire Extinguishers

All fire extinguishers are inspected annually and maintained by EHS. If the fire extinguisher has not been inspected within the last year (as noted on the tag), contact the UO Fire Marshal Group. 

Any fire extinguisher that has been used at all, even if it wasn’t fully discharged, needs to be reported to the UO Fire Marshal Group so a replacement fire extinguisher can be provided.

Emergency Eyewash and Showers

All laboratories using hazardous chemicals, particularly corrosive chemicals, must have access to an eyewash and/or an emergency shower1. Emergency eyewash and/or emergency showers should be readily accessible, free of obstructions and within 10 seconds from the hazard2. The ANSI standard outlines specific requirements related to flow requirements, use of tempered water, inspection and testing frequencies, and training of laboratory personnel in the proper use of this important piece of emergency equipment.

Due to the flow requirements, hand held bottles do not qualify as approved eyewashes.

Testing and Inspection of Emergency Eyewash and Showers

Plumbed emergency eyewashes should be activated weekly. Eyewashes and showers should also be inspected annually. 

Regular activation (weekly flushing) ensures the units are operating properly, helps to keep the units free of clutter, and helps prevent the growth of bacteria within the plumbing lines, which can cause eye infections. EHS strongly encourages labs to document weekly flushings using a log that is attached near the eyewash station.

Labs are responsible for:

  • Weekly activation of eyewashes in their spaces. Allow the water to run for at least 30 seconds.
  • Ensuring that access to eyewashes and emergency showers are kept free of clutter.
  • Ensuring the eyewash nozzle dust covers are kept in place. Dust or other particles can clog the nozzles and effect water flow and result in dust or other particles being forced into the eyes when the eyewash is used.

Report any malfunctioning eyewashes and emergency showers to EHS or CPFM to have the unit repaired. If either the emergency shower or eyewash is not working properly, post a Do Not Use sign on the unit to alert others and notify EHS immediately.

EHS staff performs annual inspections of eyewashes and emergency showers and will test units for compliance with ANSI Z358.1-2014 including:

  • Testing the water flow for adequate flow rate, spray pattern, and water clarity.
  • Eyewashes only: testing the water temperature is tepid.
  • Ensuring the unit is not obstructed.
  • Ensuring valves are working properly.

Installation of New Emergency Eyewash and Showers

As with installation of other safety equipment, all new eyewashes and emergency showers must be installed in consultation with CPFM, EHS, and the appropriate campus service shops. All new installations or eyewashes and emergency showers must comply with applicable regulations. Report any new eyewash or safety shower installation to EHS to ensure annual inspection of the unit. 

Using Emergency Eyewash and Showers

Plan your experiments and include emergency procedures. Identify the locations of the nearest emergency shower and eyewash before working with hazardous chemicals. Be sure you understand how to work your lab's specific eyewash(es) and safety shower. Training on use of this equipment should be given during your lab-specific safety training. 

In the event of an emergency (chemical spill or splash) where an eyewash or emergency shower is needed, follow these procedures:

Eyewashes

  1. If you get a chemical in your eyes, yell for help if someone else is in the lab.
  2. Immediately go to the nearest eyewash and push the activation handle all the way on.
  3. Put your eyes or other exposed area in the stream of water and begin flushing.
  4. Open your eyelids with your fingers and roll your eyeballs around to get maximum irrigation of the eyes.
  5. Keep flushing for at least 15 minutes or until help arrives. For accidents involving hydrofluoric acid, follow the hydrofluoric acid precautions.
  6. If you are alone, call 911 after you have finished flushing your eyes for at least 15 minutes.
  7. Seek medical attention.
  8. Complete a Safety Incident or Accident Report.

Safety Showers

  1. If you have a chemical on your skin or body, yell for help if someone else is in the lab.
  2. Immediately go to the nearest safety shower and pull the activation handle or level all the way down to start the flow of water.
  3. Stand under the shower for at least 15 minutes or until help arrives. For accidents involving hydrofluoric acid, follow the hydrofluoric acid precautions.
  4. If you are alone, call 911 after you have finished flushing your eyes for at least 15 minutes.
  5. Seek medical attention.
  6. Complete a Safety Incident or Accident Report.

Drench Hoses

A drench hose may be used to flush eyes or skin. 

  1. Activate the water by squeezing the handle. The latch will engage to keep the water flowing.
  2. Point the water spray towards the affected eye or body part. Follow the directions above for flushing for at least 15 minutes and seeking medical attention. 

If someone else in the lab needs to use an eyewash, assist them to the eyewash, activate the eyewash for them, and help them get started flushing their eyes using the procedures above and then call 911. After calling 911, go back to assist the person using the eyewash and continue flushing for 15 minutes or until help arrives and have the person seek medical attention.

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Spill Kits

While commercially available spill kits are available from safety supply vendors, lab personnel can assemble their own spill kits to properly clean up chemicals specific to their laboratory. Whether commercially purchased or made in-house, EHS strongly encourages all laboratories to obtain a spill kit for their use. EHS provides free basic spill kits to labs. Email EHS to request a spillkit. 

A useful spill kit can be assembled using a 2.5 or 5 gallon bucket containing the following absorbent materials. Stock only the absorbents appropriate for your space. 

Each container of absorbent must be labeled as to what it contains and what type of spills it can be used for.

Spill kit absorbent material:

  • Universal absorbent spill pads
  • 1-5 lbs of absorbent clay (kitty litter) (for oils or oxidizing liquids)

Neutralizing reagents options:

  • 1-5 lbs of sodium bicarbonate (for liquid acid and base spills)
  • 1-5 lbs of calcium carbonate (for HF spills)

Additional Items:

  • Whisk broom and dust pan (available at home improvement stores)
  • Tongs for retrieving sharps or glass
  • Biohazard bag and sharps container (if working with biohazardous materials)
  • Sponge
  • pH paper
  • 1 gallon and 5 gallon bags - for collection of spill cleanup material
  • Safety goggles
  • Nitrile gloves or chemically-resistant gloves
  • Hazardous waste labels

The spill kit should be clearly labeled as “SPILL KIT,” with a list of the contents posted on or in the kit. This list should include information about restocking the kit after use and where to obtain restocking materials. If the spill kit is stored in a cupboard, cabinet, or otherwise obscured area, the location should be marked with a "Spill Kit" or similar sign. 

Labs must provide training for personnel on: 

  • How to determine if they can or should clean up the spill, or if they should call for assistance (EHS Duty Phone).
  • Where the spill kit will be kept within the laboratory.
  • What items are in the kit and where replacement items can be obtained.
  • How to use the items in the kit properly.
  • How to clean up the different types of chemical spills.
  • How to dispose of spill cleanup material.

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Spill Absorbent Materials 

The following are EHS approved/recommended spill absorbent materials, however, they are not appropriate for every possible chemical spill. Consult the material SDS for information. When in doubt, contact EHS for advice. 

For Acid Spills (Except Hydrofluoric Acid)

  • Sodium carbonate
  • Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Calcium bicarbonate

Do not use absorbent clay for acid spills. 

For Hydrofluoric Acid Spills

To tightly bind the fluoride ion use:

  • Calcium carbonate
  • Calcium bicarbonate 

For Liquid Base Spills

Use sodium bicarbonate to lower the pH sufficiently for drain disposal.

For Oil Spills

  • Absorbent clay (kitty litter)
  • Vermiculite
  • White spill pads from EHS specifically for oil 

For Most Aqueous Solutions

  • Absorbent clay (kitty litter)
  • General purpose grey spill pads

For Most Organic Liquid Spills

Remove all potential sources of ignition. Limit range of spill by surrounding spill with spill pillows, socks, or pads. 

Absorb the remaining liquid with spill pads/socks. 

Place the solvent containing pads/socks in heavy duty poly bags. Seal and label bags. Organize disposal through the hazardous waste management program. 

For Oxidizing Liquids

  • Absorbent Clay
  • Vermiculite
  • Other nonreactive absorbent material

Do not use paper towels. Most nitrate solutions are not sufficiently oxidizing for this requirement. 

For Mercury Spills 

Do not dispose of mercury or mercury contaminated spill debris in the regular trash or down the drain. EHS will collect the spill debris. 

Physical removal processes are best for removing and collecting mercury. EHS has a special mercury vacuum to assist with spills. 

While powdered sulfur will help reduce mercury vapors, the sulfur greatly complicates the spill clean up. 

References

  1. American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association. American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment; ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014.

  2. Cornell University. 5.5 Emergency Eyewash and Showers. Environment, Health and Safety. (accessed 2025.06.02)

  3. Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division. Medical Services and First Aid OAR 437-002-0161. 2012