What are the requirements for installing an eyewash station?
However, some of the requirements include that eyewash stations be located no more than 10 seconds (or about 55 feet) from hazardous work areas. The station should be located on the same level as the hazard, have a clear path for travel, be installed in a well-lit area, and be marked with a visible safety sign.
Where should Safety showers and eyewash stations be installed?
Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations must be located on the same level as the hazard and the path of travel shall be free from obstructions. If your facility contains a hazardous area that is located on a different level, floor, or platform than your current flushing stations, you must install equipment on every level that contains a hazard.
What is the minimum distance from the hazard to install an eyewash?
• Eyewash safety stations must be installed within 10 seconds or 55 feet from the hazard. • The spray pattern must measure between 33”--53” from the floor the user will stand on (section 5.4.4).
What should I do if I use an eye wash station?
Note: A person should seek emergency medical assistance after using any type of eye wash station. The eyewash station requirements were created by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) with the support of OSHA.
How far away from hazardous work areas should eyewash stations be?
However, some of the requirements include that eyewash stations be located no more than 10 seconds (or about 55 feet) from hazardous work areas. The station should be located on the same level as the hazard, have a clear path for travel, be installed in a well-lit area, and be marked with a visible safety sign.
How much water should I use for a sink mounted eyewash?
For these types of stations, the standard recommends a water flow of 0.4 gallons per minute (gpm) at 30 psi, and the water flow must be sustained for at least 15 minutes. An eyewash gauge should be used to verify and test the flow pattern.
Does OSHA require eyewash stations?
A: OSHA itself has limited requirements for eyewash stations. Under its general industry standard for first aid, OSHA requires employers to provide suitable facilities for immediate emergency use within the work area for quick flushing of the eyes where a person’s eyes may be exposed to corrosive materials.
Why are emergency showers or eyewash stations important?
The first 10 to 15 seconds after exposure to a hazardous substance, especially a corrosive substance, are critical. Delaying treatment, even for a few seconds, may cause serious injury.
What does the law say?
Consult your local occupational health and safety agency in your jurisdiction and check relevant legislation for any requirements to install this equipment. Currently there is no Canadian standard for the design or placement of eyewash stations or emergency showers. As a result, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z358.1-2014 "Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment" is generally used as a guide.
What is considered to be a 'flushing fluid'?
The ANSI standard defines "flushing fluid" as any of potable (drinking) water, preserved water, preserved buffered saline solution or other medically acceptable solutions. Local laws may apply in some cases. This document will use the term "water" to mean any of these acceptable flushing fluids unless otherwise specified.
How long should the contact area be rinsed/flushed?
It does specify that the equipment installed according to the standard be capable of providing flushing liquid for a minimum of 15 minutes.
What type of equipment should I install?
Emergency showers are designed to flush the user's head and body. They should not be used to flush the user's eyes because the high rate or pressure of water flow could damage the eyes in some instances. Eyewash stations are designed to flush the eye and face area only. There are combination units available that contain both features: a shower and an eyewash.
Where should the emergency equipment be located?
In practical terms, consider that the person who needs the equipment will be injured, and may not have use of their vision. ANSI notes that the average person can walk 16 to 17 metres (55 feet) in 10 seconds, but this does not account for the physical and emotional state of the person in an emergency.
What temperature should the water be?
The 2014 ANSI standard recommends that the water should be "tepid" and defines this temperature as being between 16-38°C (60-100°F). Temperatures higher than 38°C (100°F) are harmful to the eyes and can enhance chemical interaction with the skin and eyes. Long flushing times with cold water (less than 16°C (60°F)) can cause hypothermia and may result in not rinsing or showering for the full recommended time (ANSI 2014). With thermal burns (injuries to the skin), the American Heart Association (2010) noted that water temperatures of 15-25°C (59-77°F) help to cool the burn and that "cooling reduces pain, edema, and depth of injury". (However, do not apply ice directly to the skin.)
What is a gravity fed eye wash?
Gravity-fed (self-contained) station: A stand-alone eye wash device that contains its own flushing fluid that must be refilled or replaced after use.
How far away from hazard should you be?
Must be accessible within 10-seconds of hazard, approximately 55-feet (consult a medical professional to determine the appropriate distance for harsh acids and caustics; high hazard = closer distance)
What is OSHA emergency shower?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has two different types of regulations that address emergency shower and eyewash and eye/face wash station equipment needs. The first is a general requirement applicable to all facilities that require the installation of emergency shower or eye wash station equipment as a form of first aid ...
What is a drench hose?
A drench hose is a supplemental device consisting of a flexible hose connected to a flushing fluid that’s used to irrigate and flush eyes, face and body areas. Plumbed and self-contained options are available. NOTE: Drench hoses may be considered an eye wash or eye/face wash if the device meets the performance requirements discussed previously.
What is the OSHA regulation for showers?
OSHA refers employers to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) ...
How much water does a plybed water system deliver?
Plumbed unit delivers 20 gallons of water per minute for 15 minutes at 30 pounds per square inch pressure in the required pattern
How often should you check self contained units?
Visually check self-contained units weekly to determine if flushing fluid needs to be changed or supplemented
What is a sink mounted eyewash station?
Sink-mounted eyewash stations, also called plumbed eyewash stations, like the one your client would like to install, are permanently connected to a continual source of potable water.
How far away from hazardous work areas should an eyewash station be?
However, some of the requirements include that eyewash stations be located no more than 10 seconds (or about 55 feet) from hazardous work areas. The station should be located on the same level as the hazard, have a clear path for travel, be installed in a well-lit area, and be marked with a visible safety sign.
How much water should I use for a sink mounted eyewash?
For these types of stations, the standard recommends a water flow of 0.4 gallons per minute (gpm) at 30 psi, and the water flow must be sustained for at least 15 minutes. An eyewash gauge should be used to verify and test the flow pattern.
What is the OSHA standard for first aid?
Under its general industry standard for first aid, OSHA requires employers to provide suitable facilities for immediate emergency use within the work area for quick flushing of the eyes where a person’s eyes may be exposed to corrosive materials.
Does OSHA require eyewash stations?
A: OSHA itself has limited requirements for eyewash stations. Under its general industry standard for first aid, OSHA requires employers to provide suitable facilities for immediate emergency use within the work area for quick flushing of the eyes where a person’s eyes may be exposed to corrosive materials.
Why do you need to test eyewash stations?
Proper maintenance and weekly testing is necessary to ensure that Emergency Drench Showers and Eyewash Stations are functioning safely and properly. Weekly testing helps clear the supply lines of sediment and bacteria build-up that is caused by stagnant water. The ANSI standard states that plumbed flushing equipment "shall be activated weekly for a period long enough to verify operation and ensure that flushing fluid is available." Furthermore, the ANSI Z358.1-2009 standard also requires Portable and Self Contained equipment "be visually checked to determine if flushing fluid needs to be changed or supplemented."
Where do you install eyewash and drench shower stations?
Eyewash and Drench Shower Stations must be installed in a well-lit area and identified with a highly visible safety sign.
Why do we need to test our plumbed flushing equipment weekly?
Weekly testing helps clear the supply lines of sediment and bacteria build-up that is caused by stagnant water. The ANSI standard states that plumbed flushing equipment "shall be activated weekly for a period long enough to verify operation and ensure that flushing fluid is available.".
How long does it take for a drench shower to flush?
Equipment Location. The ANSI standard states that all flushing equipment must be located in areas that are accessible within 10 seconds (roughly 55 feet).
What is considered an obstruction in a safety shower?
Items such as trash cans, pallet jacks, boxes, raw materials, or any other stored items must not block access to the flushing stations. Also, a door is considered an obstruction. If the hazard is non-corrosive, one door can be present as long as it opens in the same direction of travel as the person requiring the use of the flushing station.
How far away should you flush a toilet?
The ANSI standard states that all flushing equipment must be located in areas that are accessible within 10 seconds (roughly 55 feet). This is commonly referred to in the industry as the 10-second rule. Best practices are to use a stop watch from your hazardous areas and determine if you have the proper flushing fluid located within 10 seconds. Keep in mind that an injured worker may need additional time to reach the flushing stations, as the severity of the injury could vary. In the presence of highly corrosive chemicals, consideration should be given to installing the flushing equipment much closer to the hazard. Be cautious of electrical supply panels that may be within "splashing distance" such as charging stations for Forklifts and other battery operated machinery.
Is a bottled eyewash a supplemental equipment?
Bottled Eyewash or other Personal Wash Units such as single head Drench Hoses are considered to be supplemental equipment only. These types of flushing units do not meet ANSI's requirements for Eyewash and/or Drench Shower stations and should not be used as an alternative to a15-minute flushing station.
What are the requirements for emergency eyewash?
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.
How many gallons of water per minute for emergency eyewash?
2. Plumbed emergency eyewash units must be able to deliver not less than 1.5 liters (.4 gall ons) of clean water per minute. We appreciate your interest in employee safety and health.
Why do you need to have an eyewash area?
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.
What is the OSHA standard number 1910.151?
Standard Number: 1910.151. NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations.
