How long do most MSDS sheets recommend flushing the eyes with water when exposed to liquid ammonia?

The recommendation to flush the eyes with water for 30 minutes when exposed to liquid ammonia is crucial for effective first aid in chemical exposure situations. This duration is critical because ammonia is a highly irritating and corrosive substance that can cause severe damage to the eyes, leading to potential vision loss if not treated promptly and adequately.

Flushing the eyes with copious amounts of water helps to dilute and remove the chemical, minimizing tissue damage. The 30-minute timeframe is established based on guidelines from safety and health authorities, emphasizing the need for thorough rinsing to ensure that all residues are washed away and to give the eye tissues sufficient time to recover from the irritant. Immediate and sustained irrigation is essential in preventing long-term damage, which underscores why a full 30 minutes of flushing is recommended.