OSHA/ANSI Eye Wash Station Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has two different types of regulations, general and specific, which apply to emergency shower and eye wash station equipment designed to promote eye safety under certain work conditions. The first is a general requirement for emergency showers and eye wash stations. The second is specific to certain industries.

OSHA's general regulation is applicable to all facilities that require the installation of an emergency shower or eye wash station equipment as a form of first aid. [29 CFR 1910.151 (c)]. It states that:

"Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use."

In addition to this general requirement, OSHA has also adopted regulations that are applicable to particular workplaces and work activities. The following are areas that are specifically addressed by OSHA:

• Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178 (g) (2))
• Pulp, Paper and Pareboard Mills (29 CFR 1910.261 (g) (18))
• Telecommunications (29 CFR 1910.268 (b) (2))
• Activities Utilizing an Open Surface Tank (29 CFR 1910.94 (d) (9) (vii))
• Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia (29 CFR 1910.111 (b) (10) (iii, iv))

Both OSHA regulations specify where and when emergency eye wash and shower equipment must be available. However, they do not specify minimum operating requirements or installation set-up requirements.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed the ANSI standard Z358.1-1990 to do just that. While it doesn't have the full force of an OSHA regulation, the ANSI standard covers situations when employees are exposed to hazardous materials. ANSI's definition of "hazardous material" would include caustics, as well as additional substances and compounds that have the capability of producing adverse effects on the health and safety of humans.

Note: The standard was revised in 2004 and 2009. Changes made for 2009 that affect this document are noted with an *. The 2009 standard was prepared by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and approved by ANSI. It is now known as ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009.

This "Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment" standard helps the user select and install emergency equipment to meet OSHA requirements. The following eye wash station requirements are taken directly from the ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009 standard.

Next: Emergency ShowersReturn to Top