Emergency Eyewash Stations & Fire Blankets.
The installation and operation of each safety device noted below shall be in order before the commencement of any class conducting laboratory experiments.
Emergency Wash System
Required Location of Emergency Wash System
- Every school, college and university laboratory newly constructed or renovated, or any room used for similar purposes wherein corrosives or flammable liquids are handled or where open flame devices are used, shall be equipped with one or more Emergency Wash Systems. Emergency Wash Systems shall include Drench/Deluge Showers, Hand Held Body/Face Washers and Deck Mounted Drench Hoses.
- The permanently mounted showers shall be located as close to the main door of the laboratory as possible (to provide an escape route), but should not be located greater than 50' from an experimental area.
Flow Rate & Temperature
- The permanently mounted showers shall be capable of discharging a continuous spray at a rate of 30 gallons per minute.
- Emergency Wash Systems shall be tempered to between 70 and 90F. Cold potable water shall be permitted in those locations where tempered water is not accessible or as permitted by the head of the fire department.
- The Drench/Deluge Showers, Hand Held Body/Face Washers and Deck Mounted Drench Hoses shall be installed in accordance with ANSI Z‑358.1 and 248 CMR.
Fire Blanket
Each existing laboratory not equipped with an Emergency Wash System shall be equipped with at least one approved Fire Blanket, and a sign that reads:
"In Case of Clothing Fire
STOP, DROP and ROLL"
Signage
- The location of the Emergency Wash System Stations, and Fire Blankets shall be clearly indicated by signs of contrasting color, either RED and WHITE or GREEN and WHITE. The signs shall be at least 70 square inches in area bearing the words "EMERGENCY WASH STATION", or "SAFETY SHOWER" or "FIRE BLANKET".
Frequency of Testing Emergency Wash Station
- Every wash station shall be tested by the owner of the building or his designee twice annually (every six months) for proper flow and operation. The owner shall upon request, provide the fire department with the test result, (including but not limited to): date of test, station operation, system malfunctions, and the name of the person performing the test.
Emergency Eyewash Stations & Fire Blankets [Fact Sheet] .
Link to unofficial code: http://www.mass.gov/dfs/osfm/fireprevention/cmr/527010.pdf
