How long must cold water be available for flushing at the eye stations?

The correct answer is that cold water must be available for flushing at the eye stations for 15 minutes. This duration is established as a standard to ensure that chemical exposures to the eyes can be adequately addressed. During an emergency, each second is critical, and having a consistent flushing time allows for the thorough removal of hazardous substances from the eyes, thus minimizing injury or potential long-term damage. The 15-minute duration is based on recommendations from safety organizations, which emphasize that prolonged rinsing is often necessary to achieve effective decontamination. This time frame allows individuals to properly flush contaminants from their eyes, providing ample time to seek further medical treatment if needed.

Other durations, such as 5, 10, and 20 minutes, may not meet the minimum safety standards or could potentially lead to inadequate flushing in the case of severe exposures. Therefore, 15 minutes is essential for ensuring the eyes are flushed appropriately.