What is ANSI Z358.1-2004 Compliance for Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment?

Below is a short excerpt for ANSI Z358.1-2004 Compliance for Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment

The ANSI Z358.1 standard is a widely accepted guideline for the proper selection, installation, and maintenance of emergency eye wash and shower equipment. The basic requirement is to have emergency showers and eyewashes within 10 seconds travel distance of a hazard.

OSHA has adopted several regulations that refer to the use of emergency eye wash and shower equipment. The primary regulation is contained in 29 CFR 1910.151, which requires that...

“...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 the OSHA regulation is too vague, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI ) created ANSI Z358.1 to provide additional guidance to employers.


Some of the basic requirements set by ANSI Z358.1-2004 include:

• All emergency equipment needs to be connected to a fluid supply that will allow for a minimum of 15 minutes of operation (water flow).
• Water temperature delivered by emergency equipment should be “tepid” (i.e. moderately warm or lukewarm).
• In general, the ANSI standard provides that emergency equipment be installed within 10 seconds walking time from the location of a hazard. The equipment must be installed on the same level as the hazard (i.e. accessing the equipment should not require going up or down stairs or ramps).
• Emergency equipment must be regularly maintained (including weekly activation of the equipment) to assure that it is in working order and inspected at least annually for compliance with the standard.

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