Emergency Eyewash and Showers: What's Required?

Eyewash/shower requirements- ANSI Z358.1-2004

Requirements that apply to both eyewash units and shower units

Sole purpose must be as an eyewash or emergency shower unit.
If shower is needed, a separate eyewash is required (combination unit is acceptable).
Quick opening valve which remains open (simple to operate in ≤ 1 second).
Operational with both hands free.
Water temperature must be tepid or lukewarm (between 15° and 38°C or 60° and 100°F).
Travel time ≤ 10 seconds. ANSI recommends that eyewashes be located immediately adjacent to the hazard for pH ≤ 1 or ≥ 12. Unit shall be on the same level as the hazardous substance.
Location well lit, highly visible, marked with highly visible sign.
Unobstructed passages and access to units.
Operable at all times with provisions to prevent unauthorized shutoff.
Sewer connection or drain not required unless special hazards noted.
Units shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Requirements for eyewashes only

Installed so that nozzles are 83.8-114.3 cm (33-45 inches) from floor.
Pressure reduced divergent flow of flushing fluid.
Minimum of 1.5 liters a minute (0.4 gallons a minute) of a potable water or commercial flush for 15 minutes.
Weekly checks to flush lines and verify proper operation; plumbed units to be flushed for three minutes.
Where contamination can occur, nozzles must be protected from contaminants by covers; removal of covers shall not require extra sleep beyond activation of unit.
Self-contained and portable units must provide 1.5 liters a minute (0.4 gallons a minute) for 15 minutes (equals six-gallon capacity).
Portable units to be used only where fixed installation is not feasible.
Squeeze bottles used only in conjunction with eyewashes.
Drench hoses used only in conjunction with eyewashes unless at open surface tanks.
Faucet mounted eyewashes not acceptable unless all requirements for plumbed units are met.

Requirements for showers only

Overhead mounted with head height 208.3-243.8 cm (82-96 inches) from floor or platform.
Minimum of 75.7 liters a minute (20 gallons a minute) flow of flushing fluid dispersed throughout pattern.
Weekly checks to flush lines and verify proper operation.
Valve actuator location ≤ 173.3 cm (69 inches) above the floor or platform.

Training

Employees are to be provided with information on the location and proper use of eyewashes and emergency showers.
If squeeze bottles are provided, information on proper use must be provided in conjunction with eyewashes, including holding eyelids open and rolling eyeballs to flush the entire eye for 15 minutes.