Guide to Eye Wash / Shower Requirements
Emergency eye wash and shower equipment can be crucial in the seconds after an accident. If they meet standard requirements and are regularly tested, they can significantly reduce any permanent damage to the eyes, face and skin. Check out PE Facts to find out OSHA regulations for eye wash and shower equipment!
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was created in order to ensure that employees are working under safe conditions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) formed two different regulations, one general and one specific, concerning emergency eye wash and shower equipment.
The general type of regulation for emergency eye wash and shower equipment states:
"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 requirement is relevant to all facilities that must have emergency eye wash and shower equipment for first aid purposes. [29 CFR 1910.151 (c)]
The second type of regulation is specific to particular industries. These industries include: Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, Activities Utilizing an Open Surface Tank, Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Manufacturing, Powered Industrial Trucks, Telecommunications, and Hazardous Materials.
These two types of OSHA regulations indicate when and where it is required for emergency eye wash and shower equipment to be available. However, these regulations do not define minimum operating requirements or installation set-up requirements.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed the ANSI standard Z358.1 and revised it in 2004. This "Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment" standard explains how to select and install emergency equipment to meet OSHA regulations.
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 portable 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 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. 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.
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. Flow Rate = 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes for plumbed units shall provide flushing fluid at 30 PSI.
D. Flow Rate = 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.
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. Positioned 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. Flow Rate = 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
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. Flow Rate = 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.
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 is the required water temperature?
A. The ANSI Z358.1-2004 Standard requires the use of tepid water. In Appendix B6, tepid water is defined as having a temperature of anywhere between 60°F and 100°F.
Q. Is it better to use eyesaline flushing solution instead of water in gravity fed or personal eyewash stations?
A. Yes. Eyesaline is an isotonic saline solution that is buffered to the same pH balance of the human eye. It also contains a preservative to help reduce the growth of bacteria. Tap water can contain chlorine or other chemicals, which could cause more harm to the eyes. It also has the potential for bacterial growth. If tap water is used, it is strongly recommended to replace the solution weekly as bacteria can grow rapidly in standing water. It is only necessary to replace Eyesaline every six months.
Sources for More Information
29 CFR 1910.151(c)
ANSI Z358.1-2004
Works Consulted
- Code of Federal Regulations , 29 CFR 1910.1000 to end
- American National Standards Institute , Z358.1
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.
