How to find and use safety equipment

Visit the AED / Defibrillators page to learn more about our AED program or the Building Information page to locate an AED near you.

Locate the eyewash station in your lab before an emergency arises. Our Building Information page can help you find an eye wash station near you. Keep the area around the eyewash station clear for easy access during an emergency.

Use an eyewash station in the event of chemical exposure to the eyes. If possible, someone should assist the injured person. Report all exposures and injuries to a supervisor. Check out our Eye Wash State Demonstration video (YouTube) to learn how to use an eyewash during an emergency.

It is important that laboratory staff test eyewash stations at least monthly. Testing will reveal any plumbing problems, reduce sediment buildup in the lines, and flush microorganisms from the line.

Document the test on the Safety Equipment Test Record tag, available through EH&S, or by another method that works for you. Contact Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) at (515)294-5100 if the eyewash does not work properly.

First aid kits, appropriate for the department or laboratory size and hazards present, should be maintained in convenient and accessible locations. ANSI Standard Z308.1 provides an inventory of first aid kits. Check out our First Aid Kit Guidelines (PDF) for recommended kit contents. 

First aid kits can be purchased at Chemistry Stores (item #2240250) or Central Stores (SKU 2003107).

Locate the safety shower in or near your lab before an emergency arises. Our Building Information page can help you find safety showers near you. Keep the area around the safety shower clear for easy access during an emergency.

Use a safety shower in the event of chemical exposure to the skin. Report all exposures and injuries to a supervisor.

Safety showers are inspected and flushed annually by Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M). Contact FP&M at (515)-294-5100 to verify your safety shower has been tested within the last year.

Learn how to use an emergency safety shower (YouTube).