Emergency Eyewash Technical Information
The Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR 1910.151) states, "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."
This regulation is enforced by OSHA, who typically relies on uniform National Standards for guidance, when conducting facility inspections. The National Standard for Emergency Eyewashes and Drench Showers is ANSI Z358.1-2009 and it establishes uniform minimum performance and use requirements for Emergency Eyewash and Drench Shower Equipment and supplemental products.
The main criteria specified in the ANSI Standard that is most useful to Facility Maintenance Managers, Safety Directors, Purchasing Agents or others at a company location is as follows: Emergency Eyewash Stations & Drench Showers…
Selecting the Right Emergency Drench Shower & Eyewash Station for Areas with Hazard Exposure Potential Present:
Areas with highly caustic chemicals that could affect the eyes, face and body should install a Combination Drench Shower with Eyewash. Such areas include:
Areas with a high level of airborne particulates and/or chemicals present that could affect the eyes only should install an Eyewash Station. If minimal exposure to chemicals is present that could affect other parts of the body, a supplemental drench hose can be added to the Eyewash Station. Such areas include:
Areas where freezing conditions exist should install Heat Traced or Frost Proof Emergency Eyewash and Drench Shower Equipment. This will eliminate the risk of pipes freezing and equipment malfunctioning in the Eyewash or Drench Shower Station. Areas include:
Areas that are remote and do not have a plumbed water supply available should install Portable Self-Contained Eyewashes to include Gravity Fed or Pressurized Units. Such areas include:
Areas with limited space, and are not conducive to installation of Emergency Drench Shower or Eyewash Equipment, or require minimal removal of hazardous materials, can use supplemental eyewash products such as Drench Hoses, Personal Bottle Eyewashes or Sprays, prior to reaching equipment that drenches for 15 minutes.