Florida Cosmetology Licensing ExamSafety, Sanitation, and SterilizationHard
An emergency eyewash station is required in a salon if employees are exposed to which of the following?
- ACorrosive chemicals that can cause immediate and severe eye damage.
- BAny salon chemicals, including shampoos and conditioners.
- CHair dyes and lighteners, regardless of their concentration.
- DDisinfectants with a contact time of 10 minutes or more.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Corrosive chemicals that can cause immediate and severe eye damage.
OSHA regulations require emergency eyewash stations where employees' eyes may be exposed to corrosive chemicals, which are substances that can cause irreversible damage to eye tissue upon contact, necessitating immediate flushing.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While basic chemicals like shampoos can cause irritation, they are typically not corrosive enough to mandate an emergency eyewash station.
- C. Hair dyes and lighteners can be irritants or sensitizers, but not all are corrosive to the extent that an emergency eyewash station is universally required for their use.
- D. Disinfectant contact time is irrelevant to the requirement for an eyewash station; the chemical's corrosive properties are the determining factor.
Emergency Eyewash Station Requirement
An emergency eyewash station is mandated by OSHA in workplaces where employees are at risk of eye exposure to corrosive materials or other chemicals that can cause immediate and severe eye injury.
- Required for corrosive chemicals, not just irritants.
- Must deliver a continuous flow of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Must be easily accessible within 10 seconds (approx. 55 feet) of the hazard.
Memory trick: Corrosive Chemicals Call for Clean Eye Care.