Eyewash Stations

Eyewash Stations

An Eye Wash Station that is ANSI Z358.1-2014 Compliant has to flow for a full fifteen minutes and the flushing fluid temperature should be between 60 and 100 degrees. The Eyewash Station should be accessible, unobstructed and clearly marked and within 10 seconds of the hazard. Choosing the correct eyewash for the environment is extremely important.

HOW TO BE OSHA AND ANSI Z358.1-2014 COMPLIANT

The ANSI Z358.1-2014 Standard is the latest updated version of the Z358.1 standard. ANSI sets fourth guidelines to follow for proper location and placement of this safety equipment. Each type of ANSI compliant station has a different maintenance schedule that ensures the unit is in proper working order in case of emergency. There are plumbed eyewash stations which draw tap water from the pipes in a building and portable eyewash stations that are self-contained with their own solutions that do not require the use of water plumbed-in from your building.

ANSI Z358.1-2014 Standard Made Simple

An eyewash station should be installed at "accessible" locations and reachable within ten seconds
Both a plumbed and self-contained eyewash station should deliver a 15 minute continuous flow
Eyewash station should be installed so that the heads of the eye wash be between 33 inches and 53 inches from the floor
These units should be installed wherever caustic or hazardous substances are present
Check all relevant MSDS sheets at your facility to determine if the chemical or substance requires 15 minute eye flushing
An eyewash should have an on-off valve that activates within one second or less with a single motion
This safety equipment must be located in an area free of obstructions because this could inhibit immediate use
An emergency shower and an eyewash must have a flushing fluid temperature between 60º F and 100ºF.

How an eye wash station is installed is just as important as the eyewash choice. Even though an eyewash is manufactured as ANSI compliant, it doesn't mean that you are not responsible for the eyewash station being compliant. Location, access and temperature of the flushing fluid are the responsibility of the user. You can have a compliant unit, but if it is not installed properly, it can lead to heavy fines and most importantly lead to injury or blindness of a worker. It is up to you, as the end user, to make sure you comply.