The ANSI Standard - Operation and Maintenance

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Copyright © 2010 Rathi Niyogi


OSHA regulations set out where eyewash stations should be and when they are required; they do not provide operating requirements. However, some state-level health and safety regulations specifically incorporate the ANSI standard and so make the provisions of the standard a regulatory requirement.

Operation

The ANSI standard for emergency eyewash stations include:

The eyewash equipment should be located in an area that requires no more than 10 seconds-while walking-to reach the station and on the same level (floor) as the area where the hazardous chemicals are handled. (Note: For particularly harsh acids or caustics, it is prudent to locate the station even closer to the area where these chemicals are used. Also, if you have multiple areas in your facility where corrosive substances are handled, you will need to ensure that the travel distance is less than 10 seconds from each area. If not, you will need to utilize multiple stations.)

The eyewash nozzles need to be positioned between 33 and 45 inches from the floor and 6 inches from the wall or nearest obstruction. (Eyewashes are used while someone is bent over, hence, the ANSI height and head space requirement. One of the best ways to be sure that you are providing sufficient space for someone to use an eyewash is to do a "dry test run" by actually over it and putting your eyes near the nozzles. Also, make sure that there is sufficient room to the sides and the front of the eyewash to ensure that use of the eyewash is not impeded.)

Portable (sometimes called "self-contained" or "gravity feed") eyewashes should deliver a minimum flow of 0.4 gallons per minute (gpm) and hard-piped eyewashes should provide 3 gpm, both for a continuous period of at least 15 minutes. (Remember that the pressure of the water coming out of the eyewash nozzle needs to be correct-not too high, which may injure someone's eyes, and not too low, which may cause the nozzles to simply dribble water out rather than provide a stream that will flush someone's eyes.).

Eyewashes need to activate immediately (within 1 second or less), have a stay-open valve to allow for hands-free operation, and flush both eyes simultaneously.

Eyewash flushing nozzles should be protected (i.e., capped or covered) from airborne contaminants. (Airborne contaminants include dust and bacteria. When someone's eyes have been injured, the last thing you want to do is douse them with dirt and bacteria!)

Water to the eyewash should be potable (i.e., drinkable) and water temperature should be moderate (60-80oF).

Adequate floor drainage or water collection must be provided for hard-piped emergency eyewash stations to prevent floor slip/fall hazard during testing or emergency use.

The eyewash is to be located in an area that is well-lit and identified with a sign.

Maintenance and Training

Plumbed eyewash stations should be activated weekly to ensure that they work properly. Weekly activation not only verifies that the unit works properly but also prevents the buildup of rust, sediment, and other contaminants in the water in the piping to the eyewash. Gravity-feed units do not have to be activated weekly-but do need to be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Eyewash stations should be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition (Generally, this can be done simply by wiping the eyewash with a clean, damp cloth. Cleaning the eyewash with polishes, detergents, or other cleaners can leave a residue that can end up in a user's eyes.).

Access to the eyewash should be maintained clear from obstruction.

All eyewash equipment should be inspected annually to make sure it meets ANSI requirements.

All employees who might be exposed to a chemical splash should be trained in the location and use of the equipment. (When an eye injury occurs as the result of a chemical splash, time is of the essence-the longer the chemical remains on the eye, the greater the damage done to the eye-knowing where the eyewash is and how to properly use it in an emergency can mean the difference between a minor eye injury and blindness.)

About the Author:
Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor of eye wash stations and other eye wash products. If you thought this article was helpful, additional information on chemical resistant gloves can be found at different types of eye wash stations can be found here http://www.criticaltool.com/types-of-eye-wash-stations.html


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