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Emergency Eye wash stations and Emergency Showers Although the OSHA standard for eyewashes and safety showers at 29 CFR 1910.151(c) is brief, it clearly states when this equipment is necessary:
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.
OSHA accepts industry consensus standards, such as ANSI Z358.1 as a means of compliance with this rule.
The ANSI standard Z358.1-2004 “Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment” includes the following requirements: 

  • Plumbed eyewashes must be capable of delivering at 0.4 gallons per minute for at least 15 minutes. Eye/face washes must be capable of delivering at least 3 gallons per minute.
  • Plumbed shower units must provide a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute at 30 pounds per square inch.
  • Gravity-fed units must have a bacteriostatic additive added to permit storage of a single water charge for up to six months.
  • Employees must have unimpeded access to emergency showers and eyewashes, which should be installed within 10 seconds walking time from the hazard.
  • For strong acids or strong caustics, the eye wash should be immediately adjacent to the hazard.
  • Tepid water temperatures (moderately warm or lukewarm, no lower than 60 F and below 100 F) should be provided unless an injurious chemical reaction could be caused by warm water.
  • Valves on showers and eye wash units must activate in one second or less and have hands-free stay-open valves.
  • Employees must be trained in the location and proper use of the equipment.
  • Plumbed equipment should be activated weekly for a period long enough to verify operation and ensure that the flushing fluid is available and clear of sediments. The equipment should be tested annually to ensure that it meet the flow requirements.
  • Self-contained eyewashes should be visually inspected to determine if the fluid needs to be replaced or supplemented.
  • Eyewash spray heads should be protected from airborne contaminants.
  • The eyewash and safety shower locations should be identified with a highly visible sign and in a well lighted area.

Eyewash squeeze bottles or personal eyewash units are considered secondary units that can supplement plumbed and self-contained stations, but cannot replace them. They are portable and permit initial first aid by providing for immediate flushing of contaminants or small particles. However, eyewash bottles are very difficult for the user to handle, especially when alone and when both eyes have been exposed. (e.g., holding the eyelids open while handling the unit is awkward). Also, one bottle cannot flush both eyes simultaneously. Since the fluid supply lasts for only a short period of time, the bottle may not able to wash the eyes sufficiently. The main purpose of secondary units is to supply immediate flushing. Once accomplished, the user should proceed immediately to a self-contained or plumbed eyewash and flush for the required flushing/ rinsing period.
Keep a copy of the safety shower or eye wash manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that the equipment is installed, tested, maintained and used in accordance with these instructions. Also, refer to MSDSs to identify which chemicals are corrosive and how to respond to accidental overexposure. Of course, it’s best to prevent eye injuries in the first place. Click here for OSHA’s suggestions.