Requirements for Eyewash and Shower for Emergencies

The OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c) requires eyewash and shower equipment for
emergency use where the eyes or body of and employee may be exposed to injurious
(corrosive) materials. For details on emergency eyewash and shower equipment,
reference consensus standard ANSI Z358.1-1990.Some of the specifications
of ANSI Z358.1-1990 are listed as follows:

Plumbed emergency eyewash units must be able to deliver not less than 1.5 liters (.4 gallons) of clean water per minute.

The water must be readily available to wash both eyes simultaneously and the flushing streams must rise to approximately
equal heights.

The emergency eyewash units must be designed to provide flushing water velocities which are not injurious to the eyes.

The eyewash area must be spacious enough to allow the eyelids to be held open, with both hands at once, while the eyes
are in the water streams.

The nozzles must be protected to prevent freezing of the flushing water in cold weather and contact with airborne contaminants.

Nozzle covers must not require a separate motion by the operator to be removed when activating the emergency eyewash unit.

The flow control valve must be designed so the water flow remains on without requiring the use of the operator's hands.

The flow valve must be simple to operate and must go "on" in 1 second or less and must be resistant to corrosion from potable water.

The flow valve actuator must be large enough to be easily located and easy to operate.

In order to be in compliance with OSHA 1910.151(c), the faucet-mount emergency eyewash station must meet the above listed specifications. The determination will have to be made on a case by case basis, with the following as critical factors:
The flow valve must be simple to operate and must go "on" in 1 second or less and remain "on" during the eyewash procedure. (Both hands must be free to hold the eyelids open and to facilitate thorough flooding of the eyes.)

Plumbed emergency eyewash units must be able to deliver not less than 1.5 liters (.4 gallons) of clean water per minute.
Based on manufacturer's MSDS recommended emergency procedures, this would require more than 22 liters (or 6 gallons) of clean water for 15 minutes of irrigation. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE with the squeeze bottle-type wash station.

In addition, competent use implies that:

The water is clean, not contaminated by rust, dirt, algae, or other contaminants. This is assured by WEEKLY testing the eyewash and flushing the tubing and valve.

Drains have been installed that collect the contaminated water during testing and emergency use. A Slip hazard is avoided by not allowing contaminated water to wet the floor around the eyewash station.

The area around the eyewash station is kept free from obstructions. A clear path is maintained at all times. The eyewash stations are located within close proximity to where corrosives are used and no doors or narrow corridors hinder access.

How do the eyewash stations in your work area measure up?
Are you a competent user of your safety equipment?

Updated 3/6/08 by freplogle