Emergency Eyewash Station Requirements

OSHA Requirements and ANSI ISEA Z358.1 Guidance

Emergency eyewash equipment must be selected and installed according to the hazards present in the workplace. OSHA and ANSI ISEA serve different roles: OSHA establishes an enforceable workplace requirement, while ANSI ISEA Z358.1 provides detailed minimum performance and use criteria for emergency eyewash and shower equipment.

This page provides a practical overview. Employers should complete a workplace hazard assessment, consult the current standard, review the Safety Data Sheet for each hazardous substance and follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

When Does OSHA Require Emergency Flushing Equipment

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c) states that where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing must be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.

Whether a particular location requires an eyewash, eye and face wash, emergency shower or combination unit depends on the exposure risk. The assessment should consider the materials used, their concentration and form, the work process, possible splash area, number of exposed workers and information contained in each product's Safety Data Sheet.

What Is ANSI ISEA Z358.1

ANSI ISEA Z358.1 is the American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment. The edition currently identified by ANSI as the most recent is ANSI ISEA Z358.1-2014 R2020. It covers emergency showers, eyewashes, eye and face washes and combination units. It also addresses personal wash units and drench hoses as supplemental equipment.

OSHA does not certify eyewash stations. A manufacturer may state that equipment is designed, tested or certified to applicable ANSI ISEA Z358.1 requirements, but the employer remains responsible for the suitability, installation, accessibility, inspection and maintenance of the equipment in the workplace.

Key Eyewash Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	General ANSI ISEA guidance
Access	Reachable in approximately 10 seconds through a clear and unobstructed path; on the same level as the hazard.
Activation	Valve activates in one second or less and remains open without the user holding it.
Flushing duration	Continuous flushing capability for at least 15 minutes.
Eyewash flow	At least 0.4 gallons per minute or 1.5 liters per minute.
Eye and face wash flow	At least 3.0 gallons per minute or 11.4 liters per minute.
Flushing fluid	Tepid flushing fluid, generally 60 to 100 degrees F or 16 to 38 degrees C.
Nozzle position	Generally 33 to 53 inches above the standing surface and at least 6 inches from the wall or nearest obstruction.
Identification	Located in a well-lit area and identified with a highly visible sign.
Inspection	Plumbed equipment activated weekly; self-contained equipment visually checked as required; all equipment evaluated annually.

Important: This table is a purchasing and planning summary, not a substitute for the complete ANSI ISEA standard, applicable regulations, local codes or manufacturer instructions.

Location and Accessibility

Emergency equipment must be located so an exposed worker can reach it quickly. ANSI ISEA guidance uses approximately 10 seconds rather than a universal number of feet. Walking distance varies with the layout, floor condition, turns, doors and other obstructions.

Place the equipment on the same level as the hazard.
Keep the route clear and unobstructed.
Do not require the injured person to pass through a locked door or navigate stairs.
Locate equipment in a well-lit area and mark it with a visible identification sign.
For strong acids or strong caustics, evaluate whether the equipment must be immediately adjacent to the hazard under the current standard and the facility's hazard assessment.

Tepid Flushing Fluid

Emergency eyewash equipment should deliver tepid flushing fluid. Fluid that is extremely cold can discourage a user from completing the necessary flushing period, while excessively hot fluid may worsen an injury or increase chemical absorption. Where supply-water temperature cannot remain within the applicable range, a thermostatic mixing valve, heated system or freeze-protected configuration may be necessary.

Inspection and Maintenance

Emergency equipment must remain ready for immediate use. Plumbed eyewash equipment should be activated weekly long enough to verify operation and clear stagnant water or sediment. Self-contained equipment should be visually checked and serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions, including flushing-fluid, preservative or cartridge replacement intervals. All units should receive the required annual evaluation, and inspections should be documented.

Dust covers must protect spray outlets without preventing automatic operation. During testing, verify accessibility, activation, flow pattern, flushing-fluid condition and temperature as applicable. Correct leaks, clogged outlets, damaged valves and missing signs promptly.

Are Eyewash Bottles a Substitute

No. Personal eyewash bottles and personal wash units are supplemental equipment. They should not be presented as replacements for required primary emergency eyewash equipment. They may provide immediate assistance while a worker travels to the primary unit when permitted by the facility's hazard assessment and emergency plan.

Employee Training

Employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances should know where the emergency equipment is located and how to activate it before an incident occurs. Training should cover immediate flushing, holding the eyelids open, contact-lens removal during irrigation, obtaining medical assistance and following the facility's emergency response procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OSHA approve or certify eyewash stations?

No. OSHA establishes workplace requirements but does not certify individual eyewash products. Review the manufacturer's stated conformance or certification and determine whether the equipment is appropriate for the identified hazard and installation.

Must an eyewash be within 55 feet of a hazard?

Do not use 55 feet as a universal rule. ANSI ISEA guidance is based on reaching the equipment in approximately 10 seconds by a clear path on the same level. The appropriate distance depends on the facility and hazard.

How often should an eyewash station be tested?

Plumbed eyewash equipment should be activated weekly. Self-contained units require visual checks and manufacturer-directed service. The required annual evaluation should also be completed and documented.

Can a faucet-mounted unit satisfy the requirement?

Only if the complete installation meets all applicable performance and use requirements and is suitable for the hazard. The facility should verify immediate activation, hands-free operation, required flow and duration, tepid fluid, accessibility and the manufacturer's stated compliance.

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