Navigating Eye Wash Station and Safety Shower Regulations
Eye wash station and safety shower requirements for your facility. MGI Safety Manufacturing provides the information you need for a safe workplace.
Eye wash stations, combination eye and face wash, and safety showers are critical safety equipment in any workplace where employees are exposed to hazardous materials that can cause injuries to the body, face, and eyes. Ensuring proper selection, installation, maintenance, and use of these safety stations is essential for protecting worker health and safety and maintaining compliance with OSHA regulations and ANSI standards.
About Safety Manufacturing
MGI’s Safety Manufacturing® products are all about ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations. From emergency fixtures like face and eye washes and safety showers to the plumbing systems that provide safe, tempered water when it’s critically needed, Safety Mfg. produces and supplies a wide range of equipment and services.
You can learn more about all Safety Mfg. products here. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us—someone will be on hand to help you.
Understanding Emergency Equipment Regulations
OSHA Eye Wash Station and Emergency Shower Requirements
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c): Mandates suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of eyes and body within the work area for immediate emergency use.
ANSI Eye Wash Station Requirements
ANSI Z358.1-2014: Provides guidelines for eyewash and shower equipment when employees are exposed to hazardous materials. It details the location, installation, specifications, and maintenance of such equipment.
Facilities Requiring Eye Wash Stations
- Any workplace where employees are exposed to corrosive, caustic, or other hazardous substances that can cause injury to the eyes or body.
- Examples include laboratories, chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and certain medical settings.
Design and Operational Criteria
- Location: Within 10 seconds of the hazard, on the same level with a clear path.
- Positioning: Emergency showerhead must be 82 to 96 inches (208.3 cm - 243.8 cm) above the surface floor of the user.
- Water Flow: Eye wash station must deliver 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) and an eye/face wash must deliver 3 gallons per minute for 15 minutes. Shower must deliver a minimum of 20 GPM for 15 minutes and provide a column of water 20 inches wide at 60 inches above the surface floor of the user and be 16” from any obstruction.
- Water Temperature: Between 60°F and 100°F (16°C to 38°C).
- Water Pressure: 30 psi minimum flowing pressure at the inlet.
- Activation: Eye wash must have a one-handed, stay-open valve that activates in 1 second or less. Safety shower valve must be designed so that the flushing fluid flow remains on without the use of the operator’s hands. The valve shall be simple to operate and go from “off” to “on” in one second or less. Drench hose must deliver a controlled flow of flushing fluid at a velocity low enough to be non-injurious. Combination unit components shall be capable of operating simultaneously and shall be positioned so that components may be used simultaneously by the same user.
- Maintenance: Weekly activation to verify proper operation and annual inspections.
Installing and Maintaining Emergency Eye/Face Wash and Safety Shower Stations
Installation Guidelines:
- Install within 10 seconds of the hazard, on the same level, with unobstructed access.
- Ensure proper water pressure, temperature, and flow rate.
- Identify the location with highly visible signs, and the area around the equipment shall be well-lit.
Maintenance and Inspection:
- Activate weekly to verify proper operation and flush lines.
- Conduct annual inspections to ensure compliance with ANSI Z358.1.
- Keep records of inspections and maintenance.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting:
- Low water pressure: Check for obstructions and adjust the pressure regulator.
- Improper temperature: Adjust the mixing valve and insulate pipes.
- Clogged nozzles: Clean and replace as needed.
- Leaks: Tighten connections and replace seals or valves.
Employee Training and Safety
Importance of Training:
- Ensures employees know the location and proper use of eye wash stations, emergency showers, and drenching equipment.
- Promotes quick and effective response during emergencies.
- Complies with OSHA requirements for employee safety training.
Best Practices for Education:
- Eye safety should be included in new employee orientation and regular safety meetings.
- Conduct hands-on training with eye wash stations, emergency showers, and drenching units.
- Use posters, videos, and demonstrations to reinforce proper usage.
- Emphasize the importance of immediate flushing for at least 15 minutes.
Creating an Eye Safety Culture:
- Encourage the use of appropriate eye protection equipment.
- Make eye safety a priority in all work areas with potential hazards.
- Conduct regular safety audits and address identified issues promptly.
- Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate good eye safety practices.
Choosing the Right Eye Wash Station, Safety Shower, or Combination Unit
Factors to Consider:
- Nature and severity of potential exposure hazards in the workplace.
- Number of employees at risk and the layout of the work area.
- Compliance with ANSI Z358.1 and OSHA requirements.
- Ease of installation, use, and maintenance.
Types of Eye Wash Stations:
- Plumbed safety showers connected to a continuous water supply.
- Self-contained units with built-in water tanks.
- Portable units for remote or mobile work locations.
- Combination units that include both eye wash and emergency shower.
Features and Specifications:
- Hands-free operation with stay-open valves.
- Gentle, low-velocity water flow to prevent further eye injury.
- Nozzle covers to prevent contamination.
- Built-in thermostatic mixing valves for tepid water.
- Highly visible, corrosion-resistant materials.
- Alarm systems to alert others when the unit is in use.
Maintaining Compliance with Regulations
Understanding ANSI Standards:
- ANSI Z358.1 sets the criteria for designing, installing, operating, and maintaining emergency eye wash and shower equipment.
- Key requirements include:
- 10-second accessible location
- 15-minute continuous flushing
- Tepid water temperature
- Weekly activation and annual inspections
- Stay informed about updates to the standard.
Regular Audits and Documentation:
- Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with ANSI and OSHA standards.
- Document all inspections, testing, and maintenance activities.
- Address any non-compliance issues promptly and track corrective actions.
- Maintain records for at least one year or as required by local regulations.
Working with Reputable Suppliers:
- Choose suppliers that offer ANSI-compliant eye wash stations, emergency showers, and accessories.
- Verify the supplier's understanding of OSHA and ANSI requirements.
- Request documentation, such as third-party certifications or test reports.
- Ensure the supplier provides adequate support for installation, training, and maintenance.
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