Are eyewash stations required by OSHA?
The OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c) requires eyewash and shower equipment for emergency use where the eyes or body of any employee may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials.
How many minutes should eye wash stations are required?
15 minutes
Both safety showers and eyewash stations must be able to provide the recommended flow for at least 15 minutes. This usually translates into having the equipment plumbed in with hard connections to the water supply.
How often do eyewash stations need to be inspected OSHA?
Inspect all eyewash units annually for compliance with the ANSI Z358. 1 standard (Section 5.5. 5). Location: The eyewash safety station must be located within 10 seconds, approximately 55 feet, from the hazard.
How do you inspect an eyewash station?
Testing Your Eyewash Station
- Check for running water. The valve activates in a second or less and remains open until closed by user.
- Check for flow. The water stream should be about six inches long, with both streams crossing at the center of the eyewash nozzle.
- Check for balance.
- Check for temperature.
Do eyewash stations use tap water?
Plumbed eyewash units deliver plumbed tap water to the eyes in plentiful amounts. Another problem with the plumbed systems is that they use tap water. Because its temperature is not easily regulated, plumbed tap water is often too hot or too cold to flush with for the required 15 minutes.
What are eye wash stations?
Eyewash stations are designed to flush the eye and face area only. There are combination units available that contain both features: a shower and an eyewash. The need for emergency showers or eyewash stations is based on the properties of the chemicals that workers use and the tasks that they do in the workplace.
What is required for an eyewash station?
Eyewash and Eye/Face Wash Station Requirements Plumbed station: An eye wash unit permanently connected to a continual source of potable water. Gravity-fed (self-contained) station: A stand-alone eye wash device that contains its own flushing fluid that must be refilled or replaced after use.
Where are eyewash stations used in OSHA infosheet?
OSHA INFOSHEET Where are eyewash stations used? Eyewash facilities are required in workplaces where corrosive chemicals are used (29 CFR 1910.151(c)), as well as in HIV and HBV research laboratories and production facilities (1910.1030(e) (3)(i)), and where there is any possibility that an employee’s eyes may be splashed with solutions
Why do we need an eye wash station?
Eyewash stations are critical emergency safety equipment intended to mitigate eye injuries when control methods do not prevent exposure to a physical or chemical irritant or a biological agent.
How to disinfect an eyewash station with bleach?
Water flows evenly, in a steady stream from both eyepieces. Flush. Run the station for three minutes to flush stagnant water from the line. Eyepiece disinfection. Rinse eyepieces with 10% bleach solution, flush with water for 15 seconds, and replace eyepiece on deactivated station.
When to use emergency eyewash and shower equipment?
While not having the force of a regulation under the OSH Act, the current ANSI standard addressing emergency eyewash and shower equipment (ANSI [Z]358.1-2004) provides for eyewash and shower equipment in appropriate situations when employees are exposed to hazardous materials.
