OSHA Tightens Workplace Safety Rules for Eyewash and Showers

Imagine what you can do in just ten seconds. Tie your shoelaces? Fold a T-shirt? For workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, however, those ten seconds can mean the difference between life and death. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employees must reach an emergency shower or eyewash station within ten seconds of exposure to harmful substances to mitigate injuries. This is not merely a recommendation—it is a legally enforceable standard. Violations can result in hefty fines, reaching up to $135,000.

For an injured worker, these ten seconds are both fleeting and agonizingly long. Every additional second increases the severity of chemical burns, exacerbating damage to tissues, eyes, and skin. Compliance with OSHA’s emergency shower and eyewash requirements is not optional—it is essential.

OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.151(c) explicitly requires workplaces to provide rapid drenching facilities where workers may be exposed to corrosive materials. The clause 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.”

Additionally, OSHA has established supplemental standards for specific industries. For example, facilities with open tanks (common in dipping and coating applications) must install emergency showers within easy reach. The pulp and paper industry must also provide neutralizing solutions for lime or acid burns.

While OSHA’s regulations are comprehensive, they do not specify technical details such as shower functionality or placement. For these, OSHA recommends adherence to the ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 standard, published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This guideline ensures worker protection when handling or storing corrosive substances.

The ANSI Z358.1 standard outlines critical installation requirements for emergency showers and eyewash stations:

Emergency showers must be on the same level as potential hazards, ensuring workers can reach them within ten seconds. The path must be unobstructed, well-lit, and clearly marked.

The water flow must thoroughly rinse affected areas:

• Showers: Minimum 20 gallons per minute at 30 psi for at least 15 minutes.
• Eyewash stations: Minimum 0.4 gallons per minute.
• Combination units: Minimum 3 gallons per minute.

Extreme temperatures can worsen injuries. ANSI mandates water between 60°F and 100°F (16°C to 38°C) .

ANSI requires regular upkeep to ensure functionality:

• Weekly testing: Flush systems to prevent sediment buildup.
• Annual inspection: Verify flow rates, temperature, and accessibility.

Industrial sites—from refineries to warehouses—often span vast areas, complicating compliance. Two case studies demonstrate solutions:

With temperatures ranging from -45°C to 45°C , Hughes Safety Showers provided heated emergency tank showers, ensuring tepid water availability in extreme conditions.

A global company deployed mobile, non-heated showers with large wheels for easy relocation across expansive warehouses.

OSHA’s ten-second rule is a non-negotiable safeguard. Proper installation, maintenance, and adaptation to harsh environments are critical to protecting workers from irreversible harm.