3/1/15
Quick Tips #129
When working with corrosives, drenching facilities must be readily available. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Medical and First Aid Standard 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.151(c) states, “Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.
These drenching facilities could include an eyewash, eye/face wash, shower or combination eye/face wash shower depending on the amount of possible exposure. Because OSHA does not clarify what the minimum requirements for “suitable facilities” are, employers often look to the voluntary American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z358.1-2014 Standard for Emergency Eyewashes and Shower Equipment for guidance. ANSI Z358.1-2014 helps users select and install proper emergency equipment to meet OSHA requirements. Also, OSHA often uses ANSI Z358.1 as a guide during inspections and may elect to issue penalties based on non-compliance.
Emergency eyewashes and showers often go unused. It’s important to test these devices regularly to help ensure they will function properly in an emergency. Studies show that the seconds immediately following an eye injury or chemical splash are often critical to minimizing damage.
ANSI Z358.1-2014 Requirements
To ensure that eyewash stations and showers are always ready when needed, it is important that the requirements for test procedures and maintenance set forth in Z358.1-2014 be followed.
The requirements for testing and maintaining eye, eye/face washes and showers are based on the manufacturer’s instructions and ANSI protocols. Generally, the manufacturer’s instructions state that the devices should be inspected, tested and the results recorded weekly. Individual owners’ manuals should be looked at for the specific manufacturer's guidelines.
ANSI Z358.1-2014 is divided into five sections and each section addresses minimum performance and use requirements, as well as installation, testing procedures, maintenance and training requirements.
ANSI Z358.1-2014 Plumbed and Self-Contained Emergency Showers, Eyewash Equipment, Eye/Face Wash Equipment and Combination Units Performance and Maintenance Criteria:
Supplemental Equipment
Annual Inspections
Each year emergency products must be inspected to ensure they comply with the ANSI standard. While a fixture may be certified to meet the ANSI standard before it is installed, once installed, it is important to make sure it is installed according to the standard's requirements. You can also use a weekly checklist (below) to help ensure the proper operation of a unit in an emergency.
Weekly Checklist
Year ____ | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 |
January | |||||
February | |||||
March | |||||
April | |||||
May | |||||
June | |||||
July | |||||
August | |||||
September | |||||
October | |||||
November | |||||
December |
Summary
Always inspect and test emergency eyewashes and showers if you have any doubt about their dependability. Identify problems or concerns and establish a regular maintenance program. Consult the manufacturers’ operating manual and ANSI Z358.1-2014 for assistance with test procedures, maintenance operations and training.
Q: Who should be trained on the proper use of emergency eyewashes and showers?
A: ANSI Z358.1-2014 states that employees who may be exposed to hazardous materials must be trained on the use of eyewash and shower devices. Specific areas that should be addressed include the location of the units, how to properly activate the systems and how to correctly maintain the devices.
Q: Are there any recommended procedures on how to effectively flush eyes that have been contaminated?
A: Individuals should be instructed to hold the eyelids open and roll the eyeballs so fluid will flow on all surfaces of the eye and under the eyelid.
Q: Are there any alternatives to the frequent changing of gravity-fed eyewash solutions?
A: Yes. Factory-sealed cartridges containing eyewash solutions are available. These products have shelf lives well in excess of preservative solutions and are significantly easier to maintain.
ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014
American National Standards Institute
11 W. 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
212.642.4900
www.ansi.org
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.
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