Standards For Safety Showers and Eyewashes
The following specifications are taken directly from the ANSI Z358.1-1998
standard.
SHOWERS
TYPES
- Plumbed Shower: An emergency shower permanently connected to a source of potable water.
- Self-Contained Shower: A shower that contains its own flushing fluid, and must be
refilled or replaced after use.
Specifications for plumbed showers (only).
1. Heads
- Positioned no less than 82" from floor.
- Spray pattern will have a minimum diameter of 20" at 60" above the floor.
- Flow Rate=20 gallons per minute (GPM) at a velocity low enough to be non-injurious to
the user.
- Center of spray pattern shall be located at least 16" from any obstruction.
2. Valves
- Off to "On" in 1 second or less.
- Stay-open valve (no use of hands).
- Valve remains on until the user shuts it off.
3. Installation
-
10 seconds from the hazard. Must be on same level as the hazard and the path of travel
shall be free of obstructions that inhibit the immediate use of the equipment.
-
Shower location shall be in a well-lit area and identified with a sign.
4. Maintenance and Training
-
Showers will be tested weekly to verify correct operation.
-
All employees who might be exposed to a chemical splash shall be trained in the use of
the equipment.
EYE WASHES
TYPES
- Plumbed Eye Wash: An eye wash unit permanently connected to a source of potable water.
- Gravity-Feed Eye Wash: An eye wash device that contains its own flushing fluid and must
be refilled or replaced after use.
Specifications:
1. Heads
- Must be protected from airborne contaminants.
- Positioned 6" from wall or nearest obstruction.
- 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes for plumbed units.
- 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes for gravity-feed units.
2. Valves
- Activate in 1 second or less.
- Stay-open valve (leaving hands free).
3. Installation
- 10 seconds from the hazard. Must be on same level as the hazard and the path of travel
shall be free of obstructions that inhibit the immediate use of the equipment.
- The location of the eye wash unit shall be in a well-lit area and identified with a
sign.
4. Maintenance and Training
- Plumbed eye wash units shall be activated weekly to verify proper operation.
- Gravity-feed units shall be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- All employees who might be exposed to a chemical splash shall be trained in the use of
the equipment
EYE/FACE
WASH: A device used to irrigate and flush both the face and the eyes.
1. Heads
- Positioned 33"--45" from floor.
- 6" from wall or nearest obstruction.
- Large heads to cover both eyes and face or regular size eye wash heads plus a face spray
ring.
- 3 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes.
2. Valve
- Same as eye wash.
3. Installation
- Same as eye wash.
4. Maintenance and Training
- Same as eye wash
DRENCH HOSES
Hand-Held Drench Hose: A flexible hose connected to a water supply and used to irrigate
and flush eyes, face and body areas.
1. Heads
- 3 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes.
2. Valve
- Activate in 1 second or less.
3. Installation
- Assemble per the manufacturer's instructions.
- The location of the drench hose shall be in a well-lit area and identified with a sign.
4. Maintenance and Training
- Activate weekly to verify proper operation.
- All employees who might be exposed to a chemical splash shall be trained in the use of
the equipment. Note: Hand-held drench hoses support shower and eyewash units but shall not
replace them.
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