Emergency Eye Wash Questions and Requirements Sources
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What water temperature is required?
A. The ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009 Standard states the use of tepid water.* Appendix B6 defines tepid water as 60°F for the lower limit and 100°F as the upper limit.
Q. Are there advantages to using eyesaline flushing solution instead of water in a gravity fed or personal eyewash station?
A. Eyesaline is a buffered, isotonic saline solution. Buffered to the same pH balance of the human eye. It also contains a preservative to help reduce the bacterial growth. Tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals. This can cause further irritation to the eyes. It also has the potential for bacteria growth. When tap water is used, weekly solution replacement is strongly recommended as bacteria can grow rapidly in standing water. Eyesaline only needs to be replaced every six months.
Q. What other significant changes to the standard were there for 2009?
A. Other changes made to the Z358.1-2009 standard were to the certification procedures. The procedures were clarified to allow freedom in designing compliant equipment and expanded the criteria for personal washes. Illustrations were also updated.
* ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009 Revision
Emergency Eye Wash Requirements Sources
29 CFR 1910.151(c)
ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009
American National Standards Institute
11 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 642-4900
www.ansi.org
International Safety Equipment Association 1901 North Moore St.
Arlington, VA 22209-1762
(703) 525-1695
www.safetyequipment.org
Works Consulted
- Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.1000 to end, 1997.
- American National Standards Institute, Z358.1-1998.
- Emergency Eye Wash Handbook, Fendall Company, Arlington Heights, IL, 1991.
- Emergency Shower and Eye Wash Equipment, Encon Safety Products, Houston, TX.
- ISEA News Release, 9/22/2009
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