An emergency eyewash station is a specialized piece of safety equipment designed to provide immediate, on-site decontamination of the eyes and face. Its purpose is to quickly deliver a sustained stream of clean water or flushing fluid to an injured person following exposure to hazardous or corrosive materials. This rapid first aid minimizes the potential for permanent injury by washing contaminants out of the eyes and reducing the severity of workplace exposure incidents.
Regulatory Requirements Governing Eyewash Stations
Workplace safety regulations establish the requirements for the presence and performance of emergency eyewash stations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that where employees may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes must be provided for immediate emergency use within the work area, as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.151(c).
OSHA does not provide the technical specifications for “suitable facilities,” instead referring employers to the guidance developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 standard provides the blueprint for the minimum design, installation, performance, and maintenance requirements for eyewash equipment. This standard establishes the testing protocols, including the specific weekly and annual inspections, necessary to ensure the equipment is ready for use.
The Critical Weekly Activation Requirement
The most frequent routine requirement for a plumbed eyewash station is the weekly activation, also known as flushing. This procedure serves operational and biological purposes, ensuring the unit is functional and the water supply is safe for use.
The primary goal of the weekly flush is to clear the supply line of stagnant water, sediment, and rust buildup. This prevents the accumulation of particulates that could cause further injury during an emergency flush. Activating the unit also mitigates the risk of microbial contamination, such as Acanthamoeba, which thrives in warm, stagnant water and can cause severe eye infections.
The unit should be activated long enough to ensure stagnant water is completely flushed from the system, typically running for one to three minutes until the water runs clear. The weekly check confirms that the valve activates quickly (in one second or less) and that the water flows evenly and steadily from both nozzles simultaneously. For self-contained units, a visual check is required weekly to ensure the fluid level is adequate.
Comprehensive Annual Inspection and Certification
In addition to the weekly activation, a comprehensive evaluation of the eyewash station must be performed at least once per year by a qualified professional. This annual certification verifies that the station meets all performance criteria detailed in the ANSI Z358.1 standard.
Key checks during this inspection include verifying the minimum required flow rate, which must be at least 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) of water per minute and sustained for a full 15-minute period. The annual check also ensures the water temperature is within the tepid range (60°F to 100°F or 16°C to 38°C) to prevent scalding or hypothermia that might discourage the injured person from completing the full 15-minute flush.
The professional evaluation confirms several location and performance criteria:
- The unit is located within 10 seconds of travel distance (approximately 55 feet) from the hazard.
- The flow pattern is correct.
- The unit is hands-free once activated.
- The spray heads are protected from airborne contaminants with functional dust covers.
Essential Elements of Proper Eyewash Station Maintenance
Maintenance involves a series of operational checks that ensure the station’s readiness and accessibility. The path leading to the eyewash station must be clear of all obstructions at all times, including temporary items like carts, boxes, or cleaning equipment, since a person with impaired vision needs unhindered access.
The physical condition of the unit requires regular monitoring, including checking the protective dust covers that shield the spray heads from contaminants. These covers must be functional and designed to be removed automatically by the water flow upon activation.
Maintenance also involves verifying that the activation valve is easy to locate and operate, and that it remains open without the need for the operator’s hands, allowing them to hold their eyelids open. For portable or self-contained units, maintenance involves monitoring the water quality and replacing the flushing fluid at prescribed intervals, often requiring the addition of a preservative.
Documentation and Record Keeping
Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all tests and inspections is a necessary administrative requirement for compliance. These logs provide documented proof that the eyewash station is regularly maintained and in proper working order.
Each record must include:
- The date and time of the test.
- The name of the person performing the inspection.
- The results of the test.
- A detailed description of any corrective actions taken.
Properly logging this information is essential for satisfying both OSHA requirements and ANSI protocols.