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OSHA Requirements for Eye Wash Stations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an organization meant to protect workers from hazardous situations in the workplace. It sets guidelines for companies to follow to assure the safety of their employees. There are many jobs that require the handling of dangerous materials that can be detrimental if ending up in someone’s eyes. Eyewash stations are emergency devices required by OSHA in any workplace where such materials are a risk for workers.

  1. OSHA General Requirement 1910.151

    • OSHA does not provide specific guidelines for eyewash stations. It generally states that they shall be provided within the work area where workers are exposed to “injurious corrosive materials” for immediate use. However, Richard Fairfax, director of OSHA’s Directorate of Compliance Programs, said in a 2002 memo that the guidelines set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) should be used as appropriate rules to follow.

    ANSI Z358.1-1998

    • ANSI requires that eyewash and shower stations must be close enough for workers to reach within 10 seconds. It must be on the same level as the hazard and there can be nothing blocking the way to the emergency station. Fairfax also adds that the station must be directly next to a hazard that is a strong acid or caustic.

    Water Temperature

    • The water of an eyewash station is required to be tepid, meaning moderately warm or lukewarm. There are some instances, however, where the temperature of the water can worsen the effect of a hazard. In that case, a medical authority should be present to assist with the water temperature.

    Position of Wash Station

    • ANSI provides height and valve requirements for eyewash stations. The head of an eyewash station must be between 33 inches and 45 inches from the floor. It must also be six inches from the wall or the nearest obstruction. This is to give the injured person enough space to use the emergency station. The valve of the eyewash station must turn on within one second and stay on without anyone having to hold it.

    Training, Maintenance and Inspections

    • Employees who will be working with hazardous materials must be trained in how to properly use eyewash stations as well as where they are located. OSHA also requires that eyewash stations come with instructions and be located in all hazardous areas. To assure the eyewash stations work appropriately, they must be activated weekly and inspected annually. They are inspected to meet the requirements of ANSI Z358.1.

    Prevention First

    • Emergency eyewash stations cannot be used to replace other forms of eye and face protection. Workers who deal with hazardous materials should always wear the proper masks and goggles recommended by OSHA. OSHA provides a detailed list of requirements.

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