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OSHA Eyewash and Shower Regulations

In work spaces that contain highly toxic substances, or in spaces where these substances are readily handled, there is a list of safety and first aid measures that your employer is required to take. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires work sites in which certain chemicals are used or produced to have emergency shower and eyewash stations. A list of these chemicals can be found on the OSHA website.

  1. Location

    • The OSHA rules state that eyewash stations and showers must be located less than 10 seconds from the workspace that is at high risk. This is based on the assumption that another employee may not always be around to assist a worker in need. If another employee will always be present, then the showers and wash stations can be located farther away. The shower should have a bendable or moveable hose that is capable of reaching all areas of the body in case of an accident that involves harder to reach areas, such as the back. Bottles of eyewash solution must be readily available. These should be rotated for freshness, even if the expired bottles have not been used. The bottles of solution are not meant to replace an eyewash station; they are meant to supplement the station.

    Site Conditions

    • Whether the eyewash and showering facility is located indoors or outdoors, it must be maintained to prevent the pipes from freezing or breaking. These areas must be kept clean and free of grime, mold and toxic substances. OSHA requires that they are operating fully at all times. The water in the stations should be turned on weekly or bi-weekly and the water lines should be flushed regularly in effort to avoid sediment buildup.

    Water Specifications

    • The water in the eyewash and showering facilities must be potable. Eyewash stations are required to be able to emit 0.4 gallons per minute for 15 minutes. Showers must be able to put out 20 gallons of water in a 15-minute time period. Water temperature should remain luke warm. This is an ideal temperature when dealing with chemical burns and toxic contamination as extreme temperatures can cause shock.

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