OSHA approved emergency eyewash stations are needed in the workplace for adequate eye protection for workers on the job. An assessment of the work area should be completed for proper placement of the emergency eyewash stations. The ANSI Z358.1-2004 Standards (Eyewash Station Requirements) set forth  guidelines to follow for the proper location and placement of  eyewash stations.  When purchasing emergency eyewash stations it is important to read the manufacturers instructions for the proper maintenance for the unit or units that you have chosen for your facility. Each type of OSHA & ANSI approved emergency eyewash station has a different maintenance schedule to follow to ensure that the unit is in proper working order in case of emergency.

Emergency Eyewash Stations come in different types.  There are plumbed eyewash stations which draw tap water from the pipes in a building and portable eyewash stations that are self contained with their own solutions that do not require the use of tap water. 

 

• Eyewash stations should be installed at "accessible" locations and reachable within 10 seconds of the hazard. 

• Both plumbed and self contained eyewash stations should deliver a 15-minute continuous flow. 

• Eyewashes should have an on-off valve, door or pull strap that activates within one second with one single motion or less.

• Eyewash station should be located in an area free of obstructions that inhibit immediate use.

Read our Quick Facts For Eyewash Stations!