Emergency Eyewash Station Summary

When a facility has hazardous materials on location, there’s always a chance of possible chemical exposure. Thus, the safety of individuals is top-of-mind in such settings. When it comes to ensuring safe working conditions, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is in charge of regulating safety standards. One pertinent safety standard that OSHA has adopted is the ANSI Z358.1-2004 Standard.

ANSI Z358.1 Standard

The ANSI Z358.1 standard is relevant to all portable and plumbed emergency eyewash, eye/face wash, and shower equipment. These safety fixtures are required when an individual may be exposed to corrosive materials and emergency drenching or flushing is needed. ANSI Z358.1 sets minimum requirements for the testing, water pressure, flow requirements, location, maintenance, and training of this emergency equipment. These regulations help ensure that if an emergency does occur, the equipment will function.

Equipment Construction Standards

ANSI Z358.1 sets construction standards for emergency equipment. In order to meet the ANSI provisions, each unit must meet certain requirements.

Eyewashes

  • The outlet heads must be positioned between 33” and 45” from the floor and at least 6” from the wall or nearest obstruction.
  • Spray heads must be protected from airborne contaminants with dust covers.
  • The valve actuator must be easy to locate.
  • The stay-open valve must activate in one second or less.

Emergency Showers

  • The shower head must be between 82” and 96” above the floor.
  • The center of the water pattern must be at least 16” from any obstructions.
  • At 60” above the floor, the water pattern must be at least 20” in diameter.
  • The valve actuator must be easy to locate and no higher than 60” above the floor.
  • The stay-open valve must activate in one second or less.

Location, Training, Maintenance, and Identification Standards

While quality construction of emergency fixtures is critical, other factors, such as the location and maintenance of the equipment, must be regulated as well. Below are a set of minimum guidelines for each fixture type.

Eyewashes

  • Location: The eyewash station must be installed on the same level and within 10 seconds of the hazard. The travel path must be unobstructed.
  • Training: All individuals in the location must be instructed on proper use.
  • Maintenance: The eyewash station must be activated at least weekly. An annual inspection is required as well.
  • Identification: The eyewash station must be identified with a highly visible sign. The area around the eyewash station must be well lit as well.

Emergency Showers

  • Location: The shower must be installed on the same level and within 10 seconds of the hazard. The travel path must be unobstructed.
  • Training: All individuals in the location must be instructed on proper use.
  • Maintenance: The shower must be activated at least weekly. An annual inspection is required as well.
  • Identification: The shower must be identified with a highly visible sign. The area around the shower must be well lit as well.

Flushing Fluid

The severity of poor flushing fluid is often overlooked. However, if not monitored, sediment, debris, or microorganisms could end up causing additional damage to eyes. Thus, flushing fluid should be clear and visibly free from foreign particles. Tepid fluid, fluid between 60ºF and 100ºF, is required as well.

ANSI Z358.1 also establishes guidelines for flushing fluid flow rate. For plumbed and self-contained eyewashes, the minimum flow is 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM). For plumbed eye/face washes, the minimum flow is 3.0 GPM. For combination showers and drench showers, the minimum flow is 20 GPM.