Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:11:20 -0500
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
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From: ILPI <info**At_Symbol_Here**ILPI.COM>
Subject: DI water in an eye wash station
Comments: cc: "Celia K. Williams"
In-Reply-To: <2389530f1001251641q22efc8b5x56fb010c2c268e6f**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>

I assume you're talking about a plumbed installation?

In theory, sure, it *could* be used.  As long as you know that the supply line can supply the requisite 3 gallons of water per minute for 15 minutes, something that I don't think most DI systems can do.  And you're sure that the water is free of bacteria or other potential pathogens.

However, DI units need to be taken off-line periodically to have their filters/exchangers serviced.  Which would take out the water supply for your emergency eyewash at irregular intervals, which is a Bad Idea.   And don't forget the possible draw on the system when calculating the 3 GPM - if two other people were drawing on that line in other locations I doubt you could meet 3 GPM on the eyewash.   So overall I'd say No, Don't. You're much better off tapping into the water supply line before it gets to the DI unit itself. 

If you're talking about a 32 oz eye wash bottle or something similar, yes, you could use DI, but make sure you add a preservative to it and change the water every 6 months or so.  Bear in mind that such wash bottles are *not* ANSI-compliant, and are insufficient as primary eye washes.  They're better than nothing, but not too much better...

Rob Toreki

On Jan 25, 2010, at 7:41 PM, Celia K. Williams wrote:

Hi all,
Does anyone know if DI water can be used in an eye wash station?
Thanks!

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