OSHA Updates Emergency Eyewash and Shower Safety Standards

Imagine this scenario: in a laboratory, corrosive liquid accidentally splashes into your eyes. What you need most at this critical moment is immediate access to eyewash equipment that can quickly flush away the hazardous substance. But is simply having an eyewash station sufficient? Are factors like water temperature and flow rate adequate? These details directly impact the effectiveness of injury mitigation.

OSHA's 1910.151(c) regulation addresses medical services and first aid, requiring employers to provide appropriate facilities for rapid eye and body flushing when employees might be exposed to harmful corrosive materials. While OSHA doesn't mandate compliance with ANSI's Z358.1 standard, it frequently references these guidelines to help employers better protect their workforce.

The fundamental requirement of OSHA 1910.151(c) mandates that employers provide "suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body" when employees may be exposed to harmful corrosive materials. While this regulation appears straightforward, it encompasses numerous critical considerations.

First, what constitutes "suitable facilities"? This requires evaluation based on specific workplace conditions and potential hazardous materials. For instance, when employees handle strong acids or bases, eyewash stations and showers must deliver sufficient water volume at appropriate temperatures to effectively neutralize or dilute these substances.

Second, "quick drenching or flushing" implies these facilities must be easily accessible, operable, and capable of delivering effective rinsing within minimal time. This involves multiple aspects including equipment placement, signage, and maintenance.

While OSHA 1910.151(c) doesn't specify technical requirements for eyewash and shower equipment, the ANSI Z358.1 standard provides comprehensive guidelines covering design, installation, operation, maintenance, and training. Though not legally binding, OSHA frequently uses ANSI Z358.1 as a compliance reference. Adhering to this standard helps ensure emergency equipment effectively protects employee health and safety.

The following clarifications are based on OSHA's April 18, 2002 official interpretation letter addressing common employer questions about emergency eyewash and shower facilities.

OSHA only enforces ANSI standards that it has formally adopted. Since OSHA hasn't adopted ANSI Z358.1, citations cannot be issued solely for non-compliance with this standard. However, ANSI Z358.1 provides detailed specifications about emergency eyewash and shower equipment that OSHA frequently recommends employers follow to protect workers exposed to hazardous materials.

OSHA 1910.151(c) doesn't include specific installation or operational requirements for emergency equipment. Therefore, employers must evaluate conditions like water temperature to ensure equipment provides adequate protection against workplace chemical exposures.

Because OSHA has specific standards governing drenching/flushing facilities, any citations regarding inadequate equipment would reference 29 CFR 1910.151(c), not the General Duty Clause.

OSHA doesn't mandate specific flow rate requirements. However, ANSI Z358.1 Section 4.1 specifies that emergency showers must deliver at least 75.7 liters per minute (20 gallons per minute) at sufficiently low velocity to avoid user injury. Equipment must provide sufficient fluid volume to maintain this flow for at least 15 minutes.

Copies may be purchased directly from the American National Standards Institute at their New York headquarters.

• Risk assessment: Evaluate workplace hazards to identify areas requiring emergency equipment
• Equipment selection: Choose appropriate eyewash and shower models based on hazard analysis, preferably meeting ANSI Z358.1 specifications
• Location: Install equipment within 10-second unobstructed access of hazard areas
• Water temperature: Maintain tepid water (16-38°C) using thermostatic mixing valves to prevent thermal injury
• Flow rates: Ensure equipment delivers sufficient volume per ANSI recommendations
• Signage: Install highly visible signage for quick emergency identification
• Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections and flushing to prevent bacterial growth
• Training: Educate employees about equipment locations, operation, and proper use techniques
• Documentation: Maintain records of all inspections, maintenance, and training activities

While OSHA 1910.151(c) doesn't specify water temperature requirements, ANSI Z358.1 recommends tepid water (16-38°C). Proper temperature serves more than comfort—it prevents secondary injuries. Excessively cold water risks hypothermia, while overly hot water may cause burns. Moreover, tepid water promotes vasodilation, enhancing hazardous material removal.

Flow rate and duration significantly impact decontamination effectiveness. Insufficient flow or duration may leave hazardous materials incompletely removed. ANSI Z358.1 recommends showers deliver minimum 20 gpm for at least 15 minutes, while eyewash stations require proportionally lower but adequate flows.

Emergency eyewash and shower facilities represent critical safeguards for employee health. While OSHA 1910.151(c) establishes basic requirements, employers should conduct thorough hazard analyses and implement ANSI Z358.1 recommendations to optimize equipment effectiveness. Only through comprehensive planning can employers ensure workers receive prompt, effective treatment during chemical exposure emergencies.