Photo Courtesy of ©Lab Safety Supply, Janesville, WI
It is essential that dental staff be properly trained on emergency eye wash procedures:
- Turn on water with right hand
- Pull button to activate
- Hold eyelids open using the thumb and index finger to help ensure that effective rinsing has occurred
- Water stream should NOT be directly aimed onto the eyeball, but aimed at the base of the nose
- Flush eyes and eyelids with water or eye solution for a minimum of 15 minutes. “Roll” eyes around to ensure full rinsing
- Medical attention should be sought immediately! Ideally another person in the office should make contact with responders or dial 911. The sooner medical attention can be given, the chances of not sustaining permanent damage or blindness is greatly improved.
Note that OSHA uses the American National Standard for Eyewashes and Showers (ANSI Z358.1-2004) to enforce standards for eyewash procedures and maintenance. For further information please contact Dynamic Dental Safety at: blog@dynamicdentalsafety.com or (888) 669-8846 ext 701.
