Eyewash stations should be located within ___ seconds of a hazard area, and employees must flush their eyes for at least ___ minutes.

Eyewash stations should be located within ___ seconds of a hazard area, and employees must flush their eyes for at least ___ minutes.

• A. 10 seconds; 15 minutes
• B. 15 seconds; 10 minutes
• C. 20 seconds; 5 minutes
• D. 30 seconds; 20 minutes

Answer: (A)

Rapid decontamination is essential when eyes are exposed to hazardous substances. Eyewash stations must be reachable within 10 seconds of the hazard so a worker can begin rinsing immediately, minimizing the time the eyes are exposed to the contaminant. The eyes then need to be flushed for at least 15 minutes to ensure the contaminant is thoroughly washed away and to reduce the risk of tissue damage from lingering exposure. Shorter flushing times could leave residues behind, while longer times aren’t required by the standard. This combination—reach within 10 seconds and a 15-minute flush—provides the effective protection recommended for eye injuries.

Rapid decontamination is essential when eyes are exposed to hazardous substances. Eyewash stations must be reachable within 10 seconds of the hazard so a worker can begin rinsing immediately, minimizing the time the eyes are exposed to the contaminant. The eyes then need to be flushed for at least 15 minutes to ensure the contaminant is thoroughly washed away and to reduce the risk of tissue damage from lingering exposure. Shorter flushing times could leave residues behind, while longer times aren’t required by the standard. This combination—reach within 10 seconds and a 15-minute flush—provides the effective protection recommended for eye injuries.