OSHA and ANSI Standards Guide for Emergency Eyewash Compliance

Imagine this scenario: In a laboratory, corrosive liquid splashes into your eyes. Every second counts. The ability to locate and properly use an eyewash station immediately could determine whether your vision is preserved. Does your workplace have adequately equipped safety showers and eyewash stations? Are they compliant with OSHA and ANSI standards? This article explores the critical regulations governing these emergency devices to help mitigate occupational hazards.

1. Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations: Essential Emergency Equipment

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c) and ANSI/ISEA Z358.1, workplaces where employees may be exposed to hazardous substances must provide emergency safety showers and eyewash stations. These devices are designed to rapidly flush away harmful materials—such as corrosive chemicals, acids, or airborne contaminants—to minimize injury from accidental exposure. They serve as a vital component of workplace safety culture, offering immediate decontamination.

• Emergency Showers: Engineered to deliver sufficient water flow to cover the entire body, quickly diluting and rinsing off hazardous substances.
• Emergency Eyewash Stations: Designed to flush the eyes, removing foreign particles or chemicals to prevent or reduce ocular damage.

2. When Are Eyewash Stations and Showers Required?

Facilities that handle, process, or store hazardous materials must install emergency combination showers and eyewash stations. The first few seconds after exposure to harmful chemicals are critical, particularly with corrosive substances. Even brief delays may result in irreversible harm, making these devices indispensable in workplace safety protocols.

3. Which Workplaces Need Eyewash Stations?

OSHA mandates eyewash stations in environments where employees handle potentially hazardous materials, including those labeled as:

• Corrosive
• Toxic
• Health hazards
• Irritants
• Explosive
• Flammable

Common settings requiring eyewash stations include laboratories, manufacturing plants, and industries involving refrigerants, battery acids, forklifts, or elevated work platforms.

4. OSHA 1910.151(c): Requirements for Eyewash and Shower Stations

OSHA 1910.151(c) is a general industry standard requiring employers to provide emergency eyewash and shower facilities where workers may be exposed to corrosive substances. The regulation states:

"Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use."

For the construction sector, OSHA 1926.50(g) enforces identical requirements. These standards underscore the universal need for protective measures against chemical injuries across industries.

5. OSHA 1910.151(c) Compliance Checklist

To meet OSHA standards, emergency showers and eyewash stations must adhere to the following specifications:

• Flow Rate: Minimum 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) per minute of clean water.
• Water Temperature: Tepid water between 60°F and 100°F to ensure 15-minute flushing without discomfort.
• Fluid Velocity: Low enough to prevent injury.
• Maintenance: Must sustain required flow for at least 15 minutes.
• Valve Operation: Easy-to-activate valves that open within one second.
• Signage: Highly visible labels for quick identification.
• Weekly Activation: Routine testing to confirm functionality.
• Annual Inspection: Verification of operational compliance.
• Proximity: Stations must be accessible within 10 seconds (approximately 55 feet).
• Height: Nozzles positioned 33–45 inches above the floor, unobstructed.

6. OSHA vs. ANSI/ISEA Z358.1: Key Differences

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c) is the sole federal requirement for emergency eyewash and shower equipment, while ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 serves as a voluntary consensus standard offering detailed guidance for protecting workers exposed to hazardous materials.

7. When Should Organizations Follow ANSI/ISEA Z358.1?

While OSHA outlines basic requirements, employers are encouraged to adopt ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 for comprehensive safety protocols. The ANSI standard clarifies OSHA’s ambiguous terms like "suitable" and "immediate," providing specifics on equipment installation, maintenance, and contamination prevention.

Note: ANSI standards become legally enforceable only if adopted by OSHA. ANSI Z358.1 remains advisory.

8. 88% of Eyewash Stations Fail ANSI Z358.1: Is Your Workplace Compliant?

A staggering 88% of safety showers and eyewash stations fail to meet ANSI Z358.1 due to issues like inadequate flow, improper temperature, or incorrect pressure. An additional 10% are noncompliant due to secondary factors like poor signage, obstructed access, or insufficient lighting.

9. Accessing ANSI/ISEA Z358.1

To ensure compliance, employers should obtain the latest ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 standard, available through the ANSI Webstore or bundled with related workplace safety guidelines.