OSHA Eyewash Station Requirements

Since 1970, the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) has required all employers to provide necessary protective gear to prevent accidents, but also to provide proper emergency facilities should an accident occur. An eyewash station is required of any work environment where an employee is exposed to injurious or corrosive materials. However, OSHA has never provided specific requirements, such as construction or operating standards for its regulations. Instead, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) created a guide typically accepted as a list of uniform standards for all eyewash stations. This guide is known as ANSI Z358.1.

Location and Proximity

• All eyewash stations must be within ten walking seconds of the hazard, and cannot be separated by stairs. The path from the hazard to the eyewash station must be kept free of any obstacles, such as equipment, storage or tables, by at least six feet.

Temperature

• The water stored inside the eyewash unit must be kept at room temperature for the comfort of the affected employee.

Easy Identification

• The eyewash station must be clearly labeled with appropriate signs so that anyone could locate it if necessary.

Training

• All employees are required to undergo training to ensure that each individual is capable of properly operating the eyewash station.

Inspections and Required Activations

• Someone must turn on the eyewash station once a week to ensure proper function. The entire unit must be inspected annually to confirm compliance with ANSI standards.

Operating Requirements of the Eyewash Station

• In addition to the placement requirements, the ANSI also established several guidelines pertaining to the function and accessibility of designated eyewash stations. There are three significant operating requirements. First, the station must produce water at a low-flow pressure to ensure the force doesn't further damage the affected employee's eye. Secondly, the unit must provide three gallons of water every minute for the required rinsing time of fifteen minutes. Finally, an employee must be able to turn on the hands-free water valve in one second or less.