Question: Could you please confirm if a wall mounted eye wash station that has no plumbing but has 15 minutes of constant flow meets the requirements?
Answer:
The short answer is yes provided that the system is able to deliver 1.5 liters per minute (0.4 gpm) for the 15 minute period. More info below:
- OSHA does not specify a minimum volume of eyewash solution for treating employees whose eyes have been exposed to a hazardous substance.
- However, the obvious intent of the standard is that the hazardous substance be removed from the eyes.
- Therefore, sufficient water must be used to accomplish this goal. Although ANSI standards not incorporated in OSHA standards are not binding, they do provide technical information to help determine sufficiency here.
- ANSI Z358.1 states that eyewash facilities should deliver flushing fluid to the eyes for not less than 1.5 liters per minute (0.4 gpm), for fifteen minutes.
References:
- This letter of interpretation from OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2020-11-06
- ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 – American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment
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