Eyewash Standards And Guidelines For The Workplace

The standard was modified in 1990 1998 2004 2009 and 2014.

Eyewash standards and guidelines for the workplace.

This standard ansi z358 1 is intended to serve as a guideline for the proper design certification performance installation use and maintenance of emergency equipment. File a complaint asking osha to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following osha s rules. How eyewash and emergency showers help prevent long term worker injuries. These guidelines apply to all emergency safety showers and eyewash stations throughout the university.

An approved code of practice is a practical guide to achieving the standards of health safety. An eyewash gauge should be used to verify and test the flow pattern. Eyewash stations target just the eyes and therefore have a lower flow requirement. The nozzles should be at least six inches from any obstruction and mounted between 33 and 45 inches above the floor.

The occupational safety and health administration osha requires eyewashes and emergency showers for workers who could be exposed to corrosive chemicals in the workplace. Drench showers eyewash eye face wash portable eyewash and combination eyewash drench shower units. Workers use eyewashes face washes and showers to flush chemicals and debris out of their eyes and off their bodies. 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.

As the standard states an eyewash and or safety shower would be required where an employee s eyes or body could be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. 3 definitions combination unit. Workplace hazards methods to prevent them and the osha standards that apply to their workplace. If none of the materials used in this work area is an injurious corrosive chemical as indicated by the material safety data sheet msds for each product then an emergency eyewash or.

National standards institute ansi has established a standard covering emergency eyewash and shower equipment. The purpose of these guidelines is to outline the requirements for the inspection use and maintenance of mergency e safety showers and eyewash stations. The occupational safety and health administration osha has enacted guidelines specifically in regulation 29 cfr 1910 151 c to address this requiring facilities to supply eyewash eyewash stations showers and other such safety equipment to their employees. Ansi z358 1 recommends a flow of 0 4 gpm also at 30 psi.

Review records of work related injuries and illnesses.