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.
Citations
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: