Eyewashes and showers

Scope

OSHA’s emergency eyewash/shower requirements apply to all employers who have employees who may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials (as defined by the SDS). In addition, a few industry-specific standards have requirements.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.151(c) — Medical services and first aid. (There are additional requirements for specific operations/hazards, such as battery charging, dipping and coating operations, and pulp and paperboard mills.)
• OSHA uses the associated 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.

Key definitions

• ANSI Z358.1: An American National Standard that provides specifications for the design, testing, maintenance, and use of emergency eyewash and shower facilities. OSHA accepts equipment meeting ANSI Z358.1 specifications as being sufficient for compliance with 1910.151(c).
• Corrosive: A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Generally speaking, corrosive materials have a very low pH (acids) or a very high pH (bases). Strong bases are usually more corrosive than acids. Examples of corrosive materials are sodium hydroxide (lye) and sulfuric acid.
• Exposure: In terms of the requirement to provide an eyewash/shower, “exposure” means that there is an actual or likely chance that an employee’s eyes and/or body could come in contact with a corrosive material. If hazardous materials are present at a worksite in such a way that exposure could not occur (for example, in sealed containers that will not be opened, or caustic materials in building piping), then an eyewash or emergency shower would not be necessary. However, if the building piping containing caustic materials has, at certain locations, a spigot or tap from which the contents are to be sampled or withdrawn and employees are expected to perform such tasks, then, an emergency eyewash and/or shower would be needed where this task is to occur.
• Flushing fluid: Potable water, preserved water, preserved buffered saline solution or other medically acceptable solution.
• Tepid: Flushing fluid that is a temperature which promotes continuous flushing for the required minimum 15 minutes. ANSI defines tepid as a temperature range between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summary of requirements

Employers must:

• Assess the workplace for substances that could cause harm or adverse effects to the eyes or body. The chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is generally the indicator that an eyewash/shower is needed for exposure to the substance. However, there are other guidance available, such as W. Morton Grant’s Toxicology of the Eye (Charles C Thomas Pub. Ltd., 4th edition, August 1993) and the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.
• Provide suitable facilities for drenching or flushing of the eyes and body where there is exposure to injurious corrosive materials. 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.
• Ensure eyewash/showers are located within 10 seconds of the hazard.
• Ensure eyewashes can deliver a minimum of .4 gallons of flushing fluid per minute for 15 minutes.
• Ensure showers can deliver a minimum of 20 gallons of flushing fluid per minute for 15 minutes.
• Inspect and maintain eyewash/shower equipment per manufacturer’s specifications and instructions.
• Train employees on locations and use of eyewash/shower equipment.