120627 emergency eye wash station requirements bw

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Emergency Eyewash Station Requirements

EYE WASH STATION REQUIREMENTS

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IntroductionOSHA RequirementsANSI StandardEye Wash Station StylesQuestions

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OSHA has two different types of regulations, general and specific, which apply to eye wash station equipment designed to promote eye safety under certain work conditions.The first is a general requirement for eye was stations.The second is specific to certain industries.

Introduction

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OSHA’s general regulation is applicable to all facilities that require the installation of eye wash station equipment as a form of first aid [29 CFR 1910.151 (c)] . It states that:

Where eyes of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes shall be provided within the work area for immediate use.

OSHA General Regulations

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The second OSHA regulation in this area specifies certain industries that must include emergency eye wash equipment in every facility.These industries include: Activities Utilizing an Open Surface Tank, Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, Powered Industrial Trucks, Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Manufacturing, Telecommunications, and Hazardous Materials.

OSHA Specific Regulations

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Both OSHA regulations specify where and when emergency eye wash equipment must be available. However, they do not specify minimum operating requirements or installation set-up requirements.The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed the ANSI standard Z358.1-1990 to do just that. While it doesn’t have the full force of an OSHA regulation, the ANSI standard covers situations when employees are exposed to hazardous materials.ANSI’s definition of “hazardous material” would include caustics, as well as additional substances and compounds that would have the capability of producing adverse effects on the health and safety of humans.

ANSI Standard

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ANSI Standard (Continued)

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The standard was revised in 2004 and 2009. The 2009 standard was prepared by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and approved by ANSI. It is now known as ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009.The Emergency Eye Wash standard helps in the selection and installation of emergency equipment to meet OSHA requirements.

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There are two types of Eye Wash StationsPlumbed Eye Wash Station: An eye wash unit permanently connected to a source of potable water.Gravity-Fed Eye Wash Station: An eye wash device that contains its own flushing fluid and must be refilled or replaced after use. There are 2 types of Gravity-Fed Eye Wash Stations:1. A tank styled eye wash station that is self contained. These stations use tap

water mixed with a preservative. The preservative will reduce the build-up of bacteria. These types of systems need to be maintained every 6 months. At this time, the units will be cleaned and refilled.

2. There are self-contained eye wash stations that do not require the use of tap water. There is also no mixing involved in the process. Purified water is used in a clean room environment. The solutions for these eye wash stations have a shelf life of approximately 24 months.

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ANSI Standard (Continued) – Placement of Equipment

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The ANSI standard states the following in regards to factors that must be considered when placing of eye wash stations:

Locate equipment in an area that requires no more than 10 seconds to reach. (Approximately 55 feet.)For strong acids or caustics, place the equipment immediately adjacent to the hazard.Place equipment on the same level as the hazard.Ensure the path of travel is free of obstructions.Identify the area with a visible sign.Make sure the area is well lit.Protect the equipment from freezing.

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ANSI Standard (Continued) – Water Temperature

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The ANSI standard requires tepid water and defines it as “Moderately warm; lukewarm”. A good range to stay between is 60-100 degrees F. Keeping the flushing fluids between these 2 temperatures will encourage the injured worker to stay within the guidelines of ANSI Z358.1-2009 for the full 15 minutes of flushing to help prevent further injury to the eyes.To assure tepid water, the equipment generally needs both hot and cold water, with a mixing valve.

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Eyewash only units must be capable of delivering at least 0.4 gpm for 15 minutes.Eye/face wash units must be capable of delivering 3.0 gpm for 15 minutes.The nozzles must be protected from airborne contaminants.The height from the floor to the nozzles must be between 33 inches and 45 inches.The distance from the wall (or an obstruction) to the nozzles must be a minimum of 6 inches.The equipment must be constructed of materials that won’t corrode.Once activated, the valve must remain open without requiring the use of operator’s hands.

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The valve actuators must be easy to locate and readily accessible.The valve must open in one second.The equipment must be certified for proper assembly, installation, performance, and fluid flow pattern. This may require using a flowmeter, test gauge, etc.

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EYE WASH STATION REQUIREMENTS Eye Wash Station Styles

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EYE WASH STATION REQUIREMENTSQUESTIONS? DISCUSSION?

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120627 emergency eye wash station requirements bw