Emergency eyewash and shower selection under 1910.151

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

September 30, 1994

Mr. Edward Krisiunas, MT(ASCP),CIC
Infection Control Coordinator
Safe Way Disposal Systems, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Krisiunas:

Thank you for your inquiry of April 14, requesting interpretation of 29 CFR 1910.151, Medical services and first aid, specifically, section (c) regarding "suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body." We apologize for the delay in responding.

You specifically request clarification of the following items:

1. What criteria does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) use to establish the acceptance of emergency eyewash equipment?

Response:

The OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c) requires that the employer must provide suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body when employees are exposed to injurious corrosive materials. For specific requirements, OSHA refers to consensus standard ANSI Z358.1-1990 through the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.

2. Do compliance officers weigh the type, quality, and/or frequency of use of chemicals in a facility to determine whether the eyewash or shower stations are appropriate?

Response:

Yes, severity of injury, time of exposure, and number of employees exposed are all considered in determining the required number of eyewash stations, shower stations, or both eyewash and shower stations. The emergency eyewash and shower equipment must meet the specifications of ANSI 358.1-1990, to be acceptable to OSHA.

3. Should severity of an exposure be considered when buying eyewash equipment?

Response:

Yes, any improvement of quality and/or response time for commencing the eyewash procedure should be considered when purchasing eyewash equipment.

4. Is the presence of an eyewash station, regardless of design, sufficient to OSHA?

Response:

No, The emergency eyewash and shower equipment must meet the specifications of ANSI 358.1-1990, to be acceptable to OSHA.

We appreciate your interest in employee safety and health. If we can be of further assistance, please do contact David Garcia on 202-219-8031 x 121.

Sincerely,

John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

[Requester letter and earlier referenced attachment omitted from this record.]