Safety Showers and Eyewash Inspections

When working with corrosives, drenching facilities must be readily available. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Medical and First Aid Standard 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.151(c) states, “Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.

Because OSHA does not clarify what the minimum requirements for “suitable facilities” are, employers often look to the voluntary American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z358.1-2014 Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment for guidance.

ANSI Z358.1-2014 is divided into five sections and each section addresses minimum performance and use requirements, as well as installation, testing procedures, maintenance and training requirements.

All combination units must be activated weekly and inspected annually. It is recommended to inspect more frequently depending on the hazards at the specific facility.

ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 §7.5.2 states: “Plumbed combination units shall be activated weekly for a period long enough to verify operation and ensure that flushing fluid is available.”
ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 §7.5.5 states: “All combination units shall be inspected annually to assure conformance with Section 7.4 requirements of this standard.”

Equipment and procedures should be reviewed to verify conformance with the various elements of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 §7.4: