Emergency Eyewash Stations and Drench Showers Technical Information

An eyewash station is a piece of emergency safety equipment, and a common example of decontamination equipment, that provides continuous flushing water to rinse the eyes, face, or body after exposure to a hazardous or corrosive material. Eyewash stations and drench showers are required under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 wherever workers may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. The main types of eyewash stations are the portable self-contained eyewash, single bottle eyewash station, drench shower, wall mounted eye/face wash, and combination eyewash/shower shown above, each suited to different hazard levels and site conditions.

Portable self-contained eyewash station, single bottle eyewash station, drench shower, wall mounted eye/face wash, combination emergency eyewash/shower station

OSHA Regulations

OSHA Regulation (29 CFR 1910.151): Requires 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."

This regulation is enforced by OSHA, which refers to national standards during facility inspections. The relevant standard, ANSI Z358.1-2009, sets minimum performance and usage requirements for emergency eye wash stations, drench showers, and related equipment. Together, OSHA 1910.151 and ANSI Z358.1 make up the core OSHA and ANSI eyewash station requirements and guidelines that facility maintenance managers, safety directors, and purchasing agents rely on to select OSHA compliant eyewash stations, portable eyewash stations, and safety showers for industrial eye wash and body wash applications. In summary, eyewash station requirements cover five main areas: location, accessibility, visibility, testing and maintenance, and usage duration and water temperature, each detailed below.

Location

Emergency eye wash stations and drench showers should be located within 10 seconds of a hazard—typically 50 to 100 feet away. In other words, eyewash stations should be located within 10 seconds of a hazardous area, since even a short delay can increase the severity of a chemical exposure injury.

Accessibility

Equipment should be on the same level as the hazard, with a clear and unobstructed path for immediate access. This means maintaining adequate clearance around the unit at all times so it can be reached and operated without delay.

Visibility

Equipment must be clearly marked with a highly visible sign and located in a well-lit area for easy identification. In short, the location of an emergency eyewash station should be identified with highly visible signage.

Testing & Maintenance

Plumbed units must be tested weekly to ensure proper operation, flush out sediment, and reduce microbial contamination. Each test should be documented on an inspection tag attached to the equipment. In addition to the weekly test required for plumbed units, self-contained (portable) eyewash units should be serviced and have their flushing fluid replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. This routine eye wash station service, covering both plumbed and portable units, is what keeps equipment in ongoing compliance with OSHA and ANSI inspection requirements.

Usage Duration & Water Temperature

Units must provide continuous flushing for 15 minutes following exposure. Water should be tepid (lukewarm) to prevent scalding or hypothermia. Equipment unable to meet the 15-minute requirement is considered supplemental only. In other words, emergency eyewash units should be used for at least 15 minutes following exposure. ANSI Z358.1 defines tepid water as roughly 60°F to 100°F (16°C to 38°C).

High-Risk Areas

Locations with highly caustic chemicals that pose a risk to the eyes, face, and body should be equipped with a combination drench shower and eyewash station. Examples include:

• Battery Charging Stations

• Chemical Processing and Storage Areas

• Transportation Zones Handling Hazardous Materials or Waste

• Decontamination Applications, such as Bio-Terrorism

Eye Hazard Areas

Locations with high levels of airborne particulates or chemicals that pose a risk primarily to the eyes should be equipped with an eyewash station. If there is minimal risk to other parts of the body, a supplemental drench hose may be added. Examples include:

• Machine Shops (e.g., welding or grinding operations)

• Parts Washing Areas

• Janitor’s Closets (where cleaning chemicals are stored and used)

• Laboratories with limited space and drainage capacity

Cold Weather Areas

Locations subject to freezing conditions should install heat-traced or frost-proof emergency eyewash and drench shower equipment to prevent pipe freezing and equipment failure. Examples include:

• Outdoor Chemical Tank Farms

• Waste Treatment Ponds

• Outdoor Chemical Processing and Storage Areas

• Transportation of Hazardous Materials (rail, truck, aviation)

Remote Areas Without Plumbed Water

Should install portable self-contained eyewash units, including gravity-fed or pressurized models. Examples include:

• Construction Sites

• Law Enforcement

• Jet Fueling Operations

• Agricultural Operations (e.g., pesticide spraying)

Limited Space Areas

Where installing full emergency drench showers or eyewash stations isn’t feasible, or where minimal hazardous material removal is needed, supplemental eyewash options—such as drench hoses, personal bottle eyewashes, or sprays—can be used as a first response before reaching a 15-minute drench unit.

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