An eyewash station is required within a 10 second walk of workers who use what?

Having an eyewash station within a 10-second walk is critical for ensuring the safety of workers who regularly handle hazardous materials such as acids or caustics. These substances can cause severe injury to the eyes upon contact, leading to burns or other serious impairments. The guideline emphasizes the importance of immediate access to decontamination to minimize the potential for lasting harm.

In the case of workers using acids or caustics, the risk of accident or spillage is heightened during regular use, thus necessitating a rapid response capability. The prompt availability of an eyewash station allows for quick rinsing of the eyes, which is crucial in reducing the severity of any chemical exposure.

Other substances or activities, such as cutting tools, packaging materials, or machinery, may pose different kinds of hazards, but do not specifically have the same urgency for eye exposure as working with hazardous chemicals does. Therefore, while safety measures are essential in all these contexts, the immediate requirement for eyewash stations is most pronounced in environments dealing with acids and caustics due to the potential for immediate and severe eye injuries.