Are faucet-mounted eyewashes compliant?

These types of eyewashes may not meet OSHA requirements for the following reasons:

Activation — The applicable ANSI standard, Z358.1-2014, to which OSHA refers employers and uses to determine compliance says that plumbed or self-contained eyewashes must be designed, manufactured, and installed in such a manner that requires:

1. Activation from “off” to “on” in one second or less, and
2. Operation without the use of the operator’s hands once activated.

Flow rate — An eyewash must be capable of delivering flushing fluid to the eyes at a rate of .4 gallons per minute for 15 minutes per the ANSI standard. This requirement would not be met if an employee was expected to fiddle with the knobs of a faucet to manually regulate the flow rate of the eyewash station. How would the user know precisely to what position to turn the handle(s) to ensure it meets this requirement?

Temperature — Once activated, the user must be able to use the eyewash without being required to adjust the handle(s) of the faucet. As such, the faucet itself may not be able to constantly deliver tepid fluid without manual adjustment. Therefore, a mixing valve on the faucet or corresponding plumbing may be necessary to deliver flushing fluid within the recommended temperature range of 60 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit when the faucet can deliver only hot or only cold water.

If an employer has a faucet-mounted eyewash, it must be inspected to ensure it meets the ANSI standard as stated above.