ANSI Z358.1-1998
This national consensus standard provides details on emergency eyewash and shower equipment. The basic requirement is to have emergency showers and eyewashes within 10 seconds travel distance of a hazard.

OSHA Directive Number STD 1-8.2
"This directive provides guidelines regarding eyewash and body flushing facilities required for immediate emergency use in electric storage battery charging and maintenance areas." Make sure emergency equipment is properly located near these hazards.

ANSI Z358.1-1998
This requires that shower valves be of simple operation, turn off to on in one second or less, and provide hands-free operation once activated. Self-closing shower valves do not meet this standard and should be replaced with stay open valves.

ANSI Z358.1-1998
This requires that flushing fluids shall be tepid. make sure that supplied water temps are in the range of 60°-90° F. Personal eyewash equipment ,such as squeeze bottles, do not meet the requirements of plumbed or self-contained eyewash equipment. make sure units meeting ANSI Z358.1-1998 are within 10 seconds of travel time from hazard time.

Look for areas where workers are using personal protective equipment such as goggles and liquid-proof gloves. These are found in areas where hazardous materials are being used and eyewashes and/or showers will be required as secondary protection.

ANSI Z358.1-1998 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

For Eye and Eye/Face Washes
Eyewashes:.4 GPM
Eye/Face Washes: 3 GPM
Nozzles protected from airborne contaminants provide flushing fluid to both eyes simultaneously at a velocity low enough to be non-injurious. Simple operation: "off" to "on" in 1 second or less.
Height from standing surface 33" to 45".
Nozzles located 6" from nearest wall or obstruction
Minimum operating pressure: 30 psi.
Hands-free operation once activated.

For Showers
Minimum flow of 20 GPM
Simple operation: "off" to "on" in 1 second or less
Height from standing surface 82" - 96"
Pattern 20" diameter @ 60" above standing surface
Center of spray located 16" from any obstruction
Minimum supply pipe size-1"
Hands-free operation once activated

For General Applications
Flushing fluid shall be tepid (check with medical advisor for optimum temperature)
Equipment shall be tested weekly to verify proper operation and inspected annually to assure conformance with ANSI Z358.1-1998 requirements.
All emergency equipment needs to be connected to a supply that will allow for a minimum of 15 minutes of operation.

All emergency equipment is required to be third-party certified for compliance to the ANSI Standard.

Combination unit components shall be capable of operating simultaneously.

Note: This information should only be used as a guide to identify the basic requirements for Emergency Equipment as recommended by ANSI Z358.1 (1998). To ensure that you are in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 Subpart k, section "c" and ANSI Z358.1 (1998) please refer to the standard or consult an OSHA representative.

Note: Hand-held drench hoses do not meet the criteria of a plumbed or self-contained eyewash. If these are the only means of protection, they should be replaced or supplemented with equipment meeting the requirements of ANSI Z358.1-1998.