Eyewashes and Showers - California

Sometimes employees need to work around hazardous substances. This puts them at risk of getting the substance in their eyes or on their skin. To combat this risk, employers institute engineering and administrative controls. However, if the risk still exists after these measures are taken, personal protective equipment (PPE) is issued. One factor that employers should be aware of is that if the protection supplied by PPE is breached, employees need to be able to remove the contaminant as quickly as possible. That’s where eyewashes and showers come into play.

Scope 

While the federal requirements for eyewashes and showers are relatively vague, California’s requirements, though minimal, are more comprehensive. The California standard also incorporates by reference certain sections of ANSI Z358.1-1981, Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment. Click the following links to view applicable requirements.

Eyewashes and Showers

Citations

California: Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7, Group 16, Article 109, 5162. Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment

Federal: 29 CFR 1910.151 

American National Standards Institute: ANSI Z358.1-1981, Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment

A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:

• Ensure employees are trained on locations and use of eyewash/shower equipment.
• Evaluate the workplace for any substances that could potentially cause harm or adverse effects to the eyes or body. The chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) indicates whether an eyewash/shower is needed for exposure to the substance.
• Make sure eyewash/showers are accessible within 10 seconds of hazards. Additionally, if both an eyewash and shower are needed, they shall be located so that employees can use both at the same time. The eyewash and shower area shall remain free of items that might obstruct their use.
• Eyewashes shall deliver a minimum of 0.4 gallons of flushing fluid per minute for 15 minutes.
• Sufficient water supply shall allow showers to deliver a minimum of 20 gallons of flushing fluid per minute for 15 minutes, as referenced in ANSI Z358.1-1981.
• Plumbed eyewash and shower equipment must be activated at least monthly to flush the line and to verify proper operation. Other units must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.