Don’t get hosed during an inspection - a Healthcare blog

By Steve Bennitt, Healthcare Operations Coordinator

While going through a number of different facilities I have noticed that many of them use drench hoses as a type of eyewash. This however does not strictly follow the ANSI guidelines, which although being somewhat confusing include the following note at the end of section 8.2.1: "A drench hose may be considered an eye or eye/face wash if the device meets the performance requirements of section 5 and or 6." (The eyewash and eye/face wash requirements).

However in sections 5.1.8, and 6.1.8 it states that eyewash and eye/face wash units shall provide flushing fluid to both eyes simultaneously and be able to cover the areas of a test gauge between the interior and exterior lines when the gauge is lowered not more than 1.5 in. below the fluid's peak. Also in sections 5.3.4, and 6.3.4 it states that the flushing streams need to rise to approximately equal heights.

If you have a drench hose unit with two nozzles you might be thinking that you are covered... well you would be wrong. The requirements for eyewashes and eye/face washes sections 5.1.4 and section 6.1.4 says they have to be designed in a manner that once they are activated they can be used without requiring the use of the operator's hands. So using one hand to hold the drench hose would mean that it does not meet the necessary performance requirements. In addition later on in appendix B (installation considerations) section B3 it again states that it is most desirable to allow the user both hands for disrobing and or holding the eyes open.

When you break all this down it basically means that drench hoses can be used as supplemental eyewash equipment, but cannot be used in the place of eyewashes and eye/face washes. If you have drench hoses in your facility you may want to check and see if you are up to current ANSI guidelines.