Eye Wash

Eye Wash

1. Heads

A. Positioned 33″–45″ from floor.
B. Positioned at least 6″ from wall or nearest obstruction.
C. 0.4 gallons (1.51 liters) per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes for plumbed units shall provide flushing fluid at 30 PSI.
D. 0.4 gallons (1.51 liters) per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes for gravity-feed units.

2. Valves

A. Activate in 1 second or less.
B. Stay-open valve (leaving hands free).

3. Installation

A. Eyewash equipment shall be located in an area that requires no more than 10 seconds to reach.
B. The location of the eye wash unit shall be in a well-lit area and identified with a sign.
C. The area around the shower shall be painted yellow to remind employees to keep the area clear.

4. Maintenance and Training

A. Plumbed eye wash units shall be activated weekly to verify proper operation.
B. Gravity-feed units shall be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
C. All employees who might be exposed to a chemical splash shall be trained in the use of the equipment.
D. All eyewash equipment shall be inspected monthly to make sure they meet ANSI Z358.1 requirements.

Either a plumbed or gravity feed unit must be near a forklift battery charging station.

Fluids in portable eye wash stations must have either Eyesaline or Acquasep additives added to the water in the bottles. These compounds give the eye wash bottle fluid a life of 6 months before bacteria begins to build up. Each bottle or reservoir should have a date on it indicate the last time the fluid was changed.