Emergency units use potable (drinking) quality water and may be preserved with buffered saline or other solution to remove harmful contaminants from the eyes, face, skin, or clothing. Depending on the extent of the exposure, a variety of types may be used. Knowing the right name and function will help with proper selection.
- Eyewash: designed to flush the eyes.
- Eye/face wash: designed to flush both eye and face at the same time.
- Safety shower: designed to flush the entire body and clothing.
- Handheld drench hose: designed to flush the face or other body parts. Not to be used alone unless there are dual heads with the capability for hands-free operation.
- Personal wash units (solution/squeeze bottles): provide immediate flushing before accessing the ANSI-approved emergency fixture and do not meet the requirements of plumbed and self-contained emergency units.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Requirements
OSHA does not enforce the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, although a best practice, because it has not adopted it. OSHA may still issue a citation to a location under the 29 CFR 1910.151, Medical Services and First Aid requirement as well as under the General Duty Clause.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 and the construction standard 29 CFR 1926.50 state, “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 General Duty Clause [5(a)(1)] states that employers have a responsibility to provide to each employee, “employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.”
There are also specific chemical standards that have emergency shower and eyewash requirements.
ANSI Z 358.1 (2004)
The 2004 update for the ANSI standard is the first revision to the standard since 1998. Although most of the standard remains unchanged, the few changes make compliance and understanding easier.
Flow Rates
- Eyewashes: flushing flow of 0.4 gallons per minute (gpm) at 30 pounds per square inch (psi) or 1.5 liters.
- Eye and face washes: 3.0 gpm @30psi or 11.4 liters.
- Plumbed units: flushing flow of 20 gpm at 30psi.
Post time: Mar-21-2019
