Have you ever considered that the seemingly unremarkable eyewash stations and safety showers in laboratories could be lifelines in emergencies? For laboratory managers and personnel, the corrosive and toxic nature of inorganic chemicals (such as mineral acids and bases) and many organic compounds (including acyl halides and phenols) is well understood. Yet, alarmingly, a lax attitude toward the use and maintenance of these basic safety devices persists, leading to preventable accidents.
The tragic incident at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where a chemist died from chemical burns, remains a sobering reminder. Another concerning case was recently highlighted by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA): A worker in a cytogenetics laboratory accidentally got fluorescent dye splashed into his eyes. Despite immediately using a nearby eyewash station—though he hadn’t been wearing safety goggles—his eyes became irritated and swollen, requiring emergency care. Shockingly, upon returning to work days later, he discovered a colleague using the same eyewash station to clean glassware and stainless-steel trays soaked in cleaning solution.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates under 29 CFR 1910.151 that “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.” However, OSHA does not elaborate on what constitutes “suitable” or “immediate.” How, then, can compliance be ensured?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides clarity through its consensus standard Z358.1 , last updated in 2014. OSHA inspectors reference this standard during facility evaluations. Below are key ANSI recommendations for acceptable safety equipment.
Safety Showers:
Eyewash Stations:
Water Supply:
Additional Criteria:
The 2014 revision introduced two critical changes:
Proximity is paramount. The 10-second rule dictates that equipment must be reachable within 10 seconds (about 55 feet) from hazardous areas, on the same level, with unobstructed access. Marking floor areas beneath showers and ensuring proper lighting and signage are recommended.
ANSI advises weekly flushing to verify functionality and clear sediment. If floor drains are absent, use large containers to catch water. This practice also serves as a training opportunity for staff.
Have you ever considered that the seemingly unremarkable eyewash stations and safety showers in laboratories could be lifelines in emergencies? For laboratory managers and personnel, the corrosive and toxic nature of inorganic chemicals (such as mineral acids and bases) and many organic compounds (including acyl halides and phenols) is well understood. Yet, alarmingly, a lax attitude toward the use and maintenance of these basic safety devices persists, leading to preventable accidents.
The tragic incident at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where a chemist died from chemical burns, remains a sobering reminder. Another concerning case was recently highlighted by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA): A worker in a cytogenetics laboratory accidentally got fluorescent dye splashed into his eyes. Despite immediately using a nearby eyewash station—though he hadn’t been wearing safety goggles—his eyes became irritated and swollen, requiring emergency care. Shockingly, upon returning to work days later, he discovered a colleague using the same eyewash station to clean glassware and stainless-steel trays soaked in cleaning solution.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates under 29 CFR 1910.151 that “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.” However, OSHA does not elaborate on what constitutes “suitable” or “immediate.” How, then, can compliance be ensured?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides clarity through its consensus standard Z358.1 , last updated in 2014. OSHA inspectors reference this standard during facility evaluations. Below are key ANSI recommendations for acceptable safety equipment.
Safety Showers:
Eyewash Stations:
Water Supply:
Additional Criteria:
The 2014 revision introduced two critical changes:
Proximity is paramount. The 10-second rule dictates that equipment must be reachable within 10 seconds (about 55 feet) from hazardous areas, on the same level, with unobstructed access. Marking floor areas beneath showers and ensuring proper lighting and signage are recommended.
ANSI advises weekly flushing to verify functionality and clear sediment. If floor drains are absent, use large containers to catch water. This practice also serves as a training opportunity for staff.
