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Emergency Eyewash Requirements

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers are required to ensure employee safety in the workplace. Protective eyewear must be provided to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological, and mechanical hazards. When such a hazard exists, facilities are required to have an eyewash or eye/face station readily available. OSHA defers to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for requirements of eyewash stations.

  1. Location

    • Eyewash stations must be located in an unobstructed location, on the same floor where the hazards exist. When an eye injury occurs, time is critical. An eyewash must accessible to the victim in 10 seconds or less. In areas where acids or caustic chemicals are used, eyewash stations must be located immediately adjacent to the hazard. The eyewash station must be in a well-lit area with highly visible signage posted for identification.

    Types

    • There are three basic styles of eyewash stations. A gravity feed or self-contained unit is used where plumbing is not available. Water is contained within the unit. Plumbed stations are connected directly to a constant flow of water. Some units have a control valve that turns the unit on and off. Eyewash stations may also utilize various flushing fluid types. They may have tap water only, tap water mixed with a preservative, tap water mixed with a factory-prepared liquid concentrate and additive, or they may have a factory-sealed cartridge. Each type must provide a minimum 15-minute supply of fluid, and provide fluid to both eyes simultaneously.

    Training

    • All employees should be trained in the location and proper use of the eyewash stations. Even if an employee is not exposed to hazardous materials, it may be necessary for that employee to assist in an emergency. Employees should be educated about the effects of the chemicals with which they work. Material safety data sheets must be available for each chemical an employee is exposed to.

    Maintenance

    • Most manufacturers recommend maintenance and testing on a weekly basis. The ANSI provides minimum requirements to ensure eyewash stations are maintained and operating properly. Plumbed eyewash stations should be activated weekly to verify flushing fluid is available. Water temperature should be maintained between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Since self-contained eyewashes cannot be activated without using valuable solution, they should be visually inspected to ensure the fluid is adequate. Fluids must be changed or supplemented as needed.

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