• OSHA requires covered employers to provide suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body whenever a person may be exposed to injurious corrosive material.
• OSHA says a plumbed or self-contained eyewash or shower unit that meets the specifications of ANSI Z358.1 would be compliant.
• Eyewash bottles can only be used to support a plumbed or self-contained unit but cannot replace them.

Medical services and first aid for construction

The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) medical and first aid requirements apply to all construction jobsites.

Regulatory citation

• 29 CFR 1926.50 — Medical services and first aid.

OSHA uses the associated American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard during inspections when evaluating the suitability of emergency eyewash and shower protection provided by the employer as stated in a November 1, 2002, Letter of Interpretation.

In general, the standard requires covered employers to provide suitable facilities (for immediate emergency use) quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body whenever a person may be exposed to injurious corrosive material. OSHA says a plumbed or self-contained eyewash or shower unit that meets the specifications of ANSI Z358.1 would be compliant. A personal wash unit (e.g., eyewash bottle) would not be compliant. Eyewash bottles can only be used to support a plumbed or self-contained unit but cannot replace them.

The standard also requires employers to ensure eyewash/showers are located within 10 seconds of the hazard. The eyewashes must be capable of delivering a minimum of .4 gallons of flushing fluid per minute for 15 minutes. Showers must deliver a minimum of 20 gallons of flushing fluid per minute for 15 minutes.

Eyewash/shower equipment must be inspected and maintained per manufacturer’s specifications and instructions. Employees must also be trained on the locations and use of eyewash/shower equipment. All injuries/illnesses that result in medical treated beyond first aid should be recorded on the OSHA 300 logs.