Requirements for Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers: A Review of OSHA and ANSI Standards

ANSI standard Z358.1 provides detailed guidance on what are the requirements for safety showers and eyewash stations. Understanding these requirements is essential to maintaining compliance and ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel. Both OSHA and ANSI play crucial roles in setting the standards for workplace safety that labs must follow to provide adequate emergency equipment for chemical exposure incidents.

OSHA Requirements for Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers

According to OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.151, “Medical Services and First Aid,” it is required that “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.” While OSHA requires that suitable facilities be provided, it does not offer specific guidance on what constitutes “suitable” facilities. This is where ANSI standard Z358.1 comes in, providing specific recommendations that OSHA often uses as a benchmark for compliance during inspections.

ANSI Standard Z358.1 Overview

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z358.1, last updated in 2014, provides detailed guidance on the installation, performance, maintenance, and testing of emergency eyewash and safety shower equipment. ANSI Z358.1 defines what is considered “suitable” for both eyewash stations and safety showers, ensuring that they meet the necessary flow rate, accessibility, and maintenance requirements.

Safety Shower Requirements

Safety showers are essential for flushing the body in case of exposure to hazardous substances. The key requirements for safety showers as outlined by ANSI Z358.1 include:

1. Flow Rate: The shower head must be capable of delivering a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute (gpm) at 30 pounds per square inch (psi). The spray pattern should cover a minimum diameter of 20 inches at 60 inches above the surface where the user stands.
2. Height and Clearance: The shower head should be mounted between 82 and 96 inches off the floor, with the valve positioned no higher than 69 inches from the floor. There should be at least 16 inches of clearance around the spray head to ensure that no obstructions interfere with the water flow.
3. Activation and Duration: The valve must be easily activated in one second or less and must stay open without the user having to hold it. The safety shower should provide water for at least 15 minutes to ensure thorough flushing.

Eyewash Station Requirements

Eyewash stations are designed to flush the eyes specifically and have different flow requirements from safety showers. The ANSI Z358.1 guidelines for eyewash stations include:

1. Flow Rate: The eyewash station must deliver a flow rate of 0.4 gpm at 30 psi. The nozzles should be positioned at least six inches from any obstructions and mounted between 33 and 45 inches above the floor.
2. Activation and Duration: Like safety showers, the eyewash valve must activate within one second and stay open without the need for the user to hold it. The unit must provide continuous flow for at least 15 minutes to adequately flush the eyes.
3. Eyewash Testing: An eyewash gauge can be used to verify the flow pattern to ensure proper coverage. Regular testing is essential to confirm that the unit is working correctly and delivering the required flow rate.

Requirements for Both Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers

Certain requirements apply to both types of emergency equipment to ensure effectiveness and usability:

1. Water Temperature: The 2014 update to ANSI Z358.1 specifies that the water must be “tepid,” with a temperature between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 37 degrees Celsius). Tepid water reduces the risk of hypothermia while ensuring effective flushing.
2. Simultaneous Operation for Combination Units: If the emergency equipment is a combination unit (e.g., a safety shower combined with an eyewash), both components must be operable simultaneously without a decrease in water flow or pressure.
3. Location and Accessibility: Eyewash stations and safety showers must be located within 10 seconds’ travel time (about 55 feet) from hazardous areas. They should be on the same level as the hazard and accessible via a clear path. Proper lighting and highly visible safety signs should mark the equipment.
4. Maintenance and Weekly Testing: To ensure reliability, ANSI recommends flushing all equipment weekly to verify proper flow and clear any sediment from the plumbing. Weekly checks can also serve as an opportunity to refresh employee training on emergency procedures.

The Importance of Maintenance and Training

Proper maintenance of eyewash stations and safety showers is critical to ensure they are functioning correctly during emergencies. Regular testing and preventive maintenance help identify issues such as blocked nozzles, sediment buildup, or insufficient flow rates.

Training is equally important. All laboratory personnel should be trained on how to use safety showers and eyewash stations correctly. This training should include hands-on practice so employees are familiar with activation methods and emergency protocols.

Requirements for Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers: Best Practices for Compliance

1. Install Equipment in Key Areas: Identify areas where hazardous chemicals are used and ensure that suitable eyewash and safety shower stations are installed in those locations.
2. Conduct Regular Testing and Maintenance: Perform weekly flushing and annual inspections to maintain compliance with ANSI standards and ensure proper equipment functionality.
3. Provide Employee Training: Regularly train employees on emergency procedures and the correct use of eyewash and safety shower equipment. Training should also include identifying hazardous areas and understanding the importance of immediate flushing.
4. Label and Maintain Clear Access: Mark the locations of safety showers and eyewash stations clearly, and keep the surrounding areas free of clutter to allow for easy access in emergencies.
   

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