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Emergency Eye/Face Wash/ Shower Requirements
Document Number: 120
Introduction
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was enacted to make
sure workers were provided with safe working conditions. The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has two different
types of regulations, general and specific, which apply to emergency
eye wash and shower
equipment.
The first type of regulation is a general requirement for emergency
eye wash and shower equipment. This general regulation is as follows:
"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."
This general regulation is applicable to all facilities that require the
installation of emergency eye wash and shower equipment as a form of
first aid. [29
CFR 1910.151 (c)]
The second type of regulation is specific to certain industries.
These industries include: Activities Utilizing an Open Surface Tank,
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, Powered Industrial Trucks,
Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Manufacturing, Telecommunications, and
Hazardous Materials.
These two types of OSHA regulations specify where and when
emergency eye wash and shower equipment must be available. These
regulations do not specify minimum operating requirements or
installation set-up requirements.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed the ANSI
standard Z358.1-1990 and was revised in 2004. This "Emergency Eye
Wash and Shower Equipment" standard helps the user in selecting
and installing emergency equipment to meet OSHA requirements.
The following specifications are taken directly from the ANSI
Z358.1-2004 standard.
SHOWERS (Plumbed and Self-Contained)
Plumbed Shower: An emergency shower permanently connected to
a source of potable water.
Self-Contained Shower: A shower that contains its own
flushing fluid, and must be refilled or replaced after use.
The specifications below are for plumbed showers only.
1. Heads
A. Positioned 82"--96" from floor.
B. Spray pattern will have a minimum diameter of 20"
at 60" above the floor.
C. Flow Rate=20 gallons per minute (GPM) at 30 pounds
per square inch (PSI).
D. The center of the spray pattern shall be located at
least 16 inches from any obstruction.
2. Valves
A. Activate in 1 second or less.
B. Stay-open valve (no use of hands).
C. Valve remains on until the user shuts it off.
3. Installation
A. Shower shall be located in an area that requies no more
than 10 seconds to reach.
*Consult a medical professional to determine the
appropriate distance for harsh acids and caustics (high
hazard=closer distance).
B. Shower location shall be in a well-lit area and
identified with a sign.
C. Shower shall be located on the same level as the
hazard.
4. Maintenance and Training
A. Plumbed showers will be activated weekly to verify
correct operation.
B. All employees who might be exposed to a chemical
splash shall be trained in the use of the equipment.
C. All showers shall be inspected annually to make sure
they meet with ANSI Z358.1 requirements.
*Click
here for Inspection/Maintenance tags # 34023T.
EYE WASHES (Plumbed and Gravity-Feed)
Plumbed Eye Wash: An eye wash unit permanently connected to
a source of potable water.
Gravity-Feed
Eye Wash: An eye wash device that contains
its own flushing fluid and must be refilled or replaced after use.
1. Heads
A. Positioned 33"-45" from floor.
B. Positioned 6" from wall or nearest
obstruction.
C. 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes for
plumbed units shall provide flushing fluid at 30 PSI.
D. 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes for
gravity-feed units.
2. Valves
A. Activate in 1 second or less.
B. Stay-open valve (leaving hands free).
3. Installation
A. Eyewash equipment shall be located in an area that
requires no more than 10 seconds to reach.
*Consult a medical professional to determine the
appropriate distance for harsh acids and caustics (high
hazard=closer distance).
B. The location of the eye wash unit shall be in a
well-lit area and identified with a sign.
C. Eyewash equipment shall be on the same level as the
hazard.
4. Maintenance and Training
A. Plumbed eye wash units shall be activated weekly to
verify proper operation.
B. Gravity-feed units shall be maintained according to
the manufacturer's instructions.
C. All employees who might be exposed to a chemical
splash shall be trained in the use of the equipment.
D. All eyewash equipment shall be inspected annually to
make sure they meet ANSI Z358.1 requirements.
*Click here for Inspection/Maintenance tags # 34023T.
EYE/FACE WASH: A device used to irrigate and flush both the
face and the eyes.
1. Heads
A. Positioned 33"--45" from floor.
B. 6" from wall or nearest obstruction.
C. Large heads to cover both eyes and face or regular
size eye wash heads plus a face spray ring.
D. 3 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes.
2. Valve
A. Same as eye wash.
3. Installation
A. Same as eye wash.
4. Maintenance and Training
A. Same as eye wash
*Click
here for Inspection/Maintenance tags # 34023T.
DRENCH HOSES
Hand-Held Drench Hose: A flexible hose connected to a water
supply and used to irrigate and flush eyes, face and body areas.
1. Heads
A. 3 gallons per minute (GPM).
2. Valve
A. Activate in 1 second or less.
3. Installation
A. Assemble per the manufacturer's instructions.
B. The location of the drench hose shall be in a
well-lit area and identified with a sign.
4. Maintenance and Training
A. Activate weekly to verify proper operation.
B. All employees who might be exposed to a chemical
splash shall be trained in the use of the equipment.
C. All drench hose equipment shall be inspected
annually to make sure they meet ANSI Z358.1 requirements.
Note: Hand-held drench hoses support shower and
eyewash units but shall not replace them.
*Click
here for Inspection/Maintenance tags # 34023T.
PERSONAL EYE WASH
A supplementary eye wash that supports plumbed units, gravity-feed
units, or both by delivering immediate flushing fluid.
NOTE: Personal eye wash units can provide
immediate flushing when they are located near the workstations.
Personal eye wash equipment does not meet the requirements of plumbed
or gravity-feed eye wash equipment. Personal eye wash units can
support plumbed or gravity-feed eye wash units, but cannot be a
substitute.
Commonly Asked Questions
| Q. |
What water temperature is required? |
| A. |
The ANSI Z358.1-2004 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 gravity fed or personal
eyewash stations? |
| 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. |
Sources for More Information
29 CFR 1910.151(c)
ANSI Z358.1-2004
American National Standards Institute
11 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 642-4900
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.
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Please Note: The information contained in this
publication is intended for general information purposes only. This
publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government
regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice
or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited
regulation or consult with an attorney.
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