Location of an emergency eye wash station should be identified with highly visible
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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 [29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.151(c)]. The second type is specific to certain industries. 29 CFR 1910.151(c) 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.” The industries referenced in the second type of OSHA regulations include: Activities Utilizing an Open Surface Tank; Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia; Powered Industrial Trucks; Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Manufacturing; Telecommunications; Formaldehyde Handling; Hazardous Materials; and Construction Industry. Both regulation types specify where and when emergency eye wash and shower equipment must be available. Neither, however, specifies minimum selection, installation, operation or maintenance requirements. OSHA refers employers to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment standard as a recognized source for such guidance. ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 is a national consensus standard that helps users select, install, operate and maintain emergency eyewash, eye/face wash and shower equipment. It was issued in 1981 and revised in 1990, 1998, 2004, 2009, and again in 2014. This Standard is part of the building code in locations which have adopted the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The IPC is in use or adopted in 35 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Emergency Eyewash, Eye/Face Wash and Shower General RequirementsInstallation / Location:
Temperature
Maintenance and Inspection
Training
Shower Requirements
Key emergency shower features and specifications include:
Eyewash and Eye/Face Wash Station RequirementsThere are two types of eyewash and eye/face wash stations:
Key eyewash and eye/face wash station features and specifications include:
Personal Eye Wash RequirementsA Personal Eye Wash is a supplementary eye wash that supports plumbed units, gravity-fed units or both by delivering immediate flushing fluid. NOTE: Personal eye wash units do not meet the requirements of plumbed or self-contained eye wash equipment. Personal eye wash units can support plumbed or gravity-fed eye wash units but cannot be a substitute. Drench Hose Requirements 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.
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney. Where should eyewash stations be located?The Standard 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 or body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.
Where is the eye wash station located in a lab?Where Should an Eyewash Station Be Located in a Lab? Eyewash stations are typically located by an existing sink to make use of the same drain. This makes deck mounted eyewash stations a popular choice. Stand-alone eyewash stations come with their own sink and drain, so they are typically located elsewhere.
How high should an eyewash station be mounted?Eyewash and Eye/Face Wash Stations
The unit should be between 83.8 and 134.6 cm (33 to 53 inches) from the floor, and a minimum of 15.3 cm (6 inches) from the wall or nearest obstruction. With an eye wash station, the user should be able to open their eyelids with their hands and still have their eyes in the liquid.
When using an eye wash station you should?What your employees need to do when using an eyewash station. Hold the eyelids open while the water flows over the eyeballs.. Roll the eyes all around so the water touches all surfaces and gets under the eyelids.. Wash both eyes, even if it's believed only one was contaminated.. |