Emergency Equipment: Eyewash Stations & Drench Showers
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Introduction to Emergency Equipment
When a facility has hazardous materials on location, there's always a chance of possible chemical exposure. Thus, the safety of individuals is top-of-mind in such settings. When it comes to ensuring safe working conditions, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is in charge of regulating safety standards. One pertinent safety standard that OSHA has adopted is the ANSI Z358.1-2004 Standard.
Safety Equipment Links
Links for the emergency equipment enthusiast!
- Eyewash Equipment
- A specialty plumbing store focused on eyewash stations, drench showers, and repair parts.
- Kully Supply
- A commercial plumbing supplier featuring parts from all major manufacturers.
- Do I Need to Install an Eyewash or Drench Shower?
- A guide to help you determine if you need to install an eyewash or drench shower.
- Thermostatic Mixing Valves
- A guide on using thermostatic mixing valves with emergency equipment.
What is the ANSI Z358.1-2004 Standard?
The ANSI Z358.1-2004 Standard establishes minimum guidelines for safety equipment. It addresses testing procedures, installation instructions, recommended maintenance, and training. The standard is set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Additionally, OSHA typically uses the ANSI standard as a guideline when auditing a facility. Eyewash Stations Equipment Construction Standards
ANSI Z358.1 sets construction standards for emergency equipment. In order to meet the ANSI provisions, each unit must meet certain requirements.
- The outlet heads must be positioned between 33" and 45" from the floor and at least 6" from the wall or nearest obstruction.
- Spray heads must be protected from airborne contaminants with dust covers.
- The valve actuator must be easy to locate.
- The stay-open valve must activate in one second or less.
Eyewash Station Location, Training, Maintenance, and Identification Standards
While quality construction of emergency fixtures is critical, other factors, such as the location and maintenance of the equipment, must be regulated as well. Below are a set of minimum guidelines for each fixture type.
- Location: The eyewash station must be installed on the same level and within 10 seconds of the hazard. The travel path must be unobstructed.
- Training: All individuals in the location must be instructed on proper use.
- Maintenance: The eyewash station must be activated at least weekly. An annual inspection is required as well.
- Identification: The eyewash station must be identified with a highly visible sign. The area around the eyewash station must be well lit as well.
Drench Shower Equipment Construction Standards
ANSI Z358.1 sets construction standards for emergency equipment. In order to meet the ANSI provisions, each unit must meet certain requirements.
- The shower head must be between 82" and 96" above the floor.
- The center of the water pattern must be at least 16" from any obstructions.
- At 60" above the floor, the water pattern must be at least 20" in diameter.
- The valve actuator must be easy to locate and no higher than 60" above the floor.
- The stay-open valve must activate in one second or less.
Drench Shower Location, Training, Maintenance, and Identification Standards
While quality construction of emergency fixtures is critical, other factors, such as the location and maintenance of the equipment, must be regulated as well. Below are a set of minimum guidelines for each fixture type.
- Location: The shower must be installed on the same level and within 10 seconds of the hazard. The travel path must be unobstructed.
- Training: All individuals in the location must be instructed on proper use.
- Maintenance: The shower must be activated at least weekly. An annual inspection is required as well.
- Identification: The shower must be identified with a highly visible sign. The area around the shower must be well lit as well.
How do I know if I need to install emergency equipment?
For a more in-depth look at if you need an eyewash station or drench shower, visit EyewashEquipment.com.
How many eyewashes or drench showers do I need?
The number of eyewashes or showers needed for each hazard is based on the number of workers in that area and the probability that more than one will be exposed at the same time. How do I know if I need an eyewash station vs. a drench shower?
Where does the emergency equipment need to be installed?
Emergency eyewashes and drench showers must be within a 10 second walking time on the same floor level as the hazard. However, when dealing with particularly dangerous hazards, emergency equipment should be installed immediately adjacent to the hazard. When planning an installation location, the path of travel must be considered as well. The path needs to be free of obstructions and as straight as possible.
What is the required minimum flow rate?
For plumbed and self-contained eyewashes, the minimum flow is 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM). For plumbed eye/face washes, the minimum flow is 3.0 GPM. For combination showers and drench showers, the minimum flow is 20 GPM.
Can a drench hose be substituted for an eyewash or drench shower?
Single head drench hoses do NOT meet all the criteria of an eyewash station. Dual head drench hoses DO meet all criteria of an eyewash station because they feature a stay-open ball valve that allows for hands-free operation.A drench hose, single or dual head, can NOT be substituted for a drench shower. It is considered a supplemental device only because it cannot supply the 15 minute full body drench required.
Can several bottles of eyewash be substituted for an eyewash station?
No. Bottled eyewash is considered a supplemental resource and is intended for immediate first aid use before the 15 minute flush only. How frequently should the emergency equipment be tested?
Emergency equipment should be tested on a weekly basis. Each testing should run the equipment long enough to flush the line of sediment and debris. Inspection tags used to document regular inspections can be purchased. An annual inspection is required as well.
Why is it important to consider installing drains whenever possible?
Drains are important when dealing with drench showers. Drench showers feature a stay-open ball valve that allows the shower to flow at a minimum of 20 gallons of water per minute. When in use, a person must remain under the drench shower for 15 minutes - this equates to 300 gallons of water. Drains prevent water damage and minimize slip hazards from water that could potentially collect and spread.
Who needs to be trained on the proper use of emergency equipment?
All individuals who may be exposed to hazardous materials should be trained. Training topics should include operation, maintenance, and equipment location. The Importance of Proper Flushing Fluid
The severity of poor flushing fluid is often overlooked. However, if not monitored, sediment, debris, or microorganisms could end up causing additional damage to eyes. Thus, flushing fluid should be clear and visibly free from foreign particles. Tepid fluid, fluid between 60ºF and 100ºF, is required as well.ANSI Z358.1 also establishes guidelines for flushing fluid flow rate. For plumbed and self-contained eyewashes, the minimum flow is 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM). For plumbed eye/face washes, the minimum flow is 3.0 GPM. For combination showers and drench showers, the minimum flow is 20 GPM.
Is tepid water required with emergency equipment? If yes, why?
Yes. Using water outside tepid water temperatures poses potential health hazards to emergency equipment users. For example, using colder water than 60ºF can cause shock or hypothermia. Additionally, it discourages using the emergency equipment for the full 15 minutes required. On the other hand, using water warmer than 100ºF can actually increase chemical irritation, causing further damage to the eyes or skin. Thus, thermostatic mixing valves are highly recommended to guarantee a stable supply of tepid water.
Shop by Category
- Eyewash and Drench Shower Complete Units
- Complete eyewash stations and drench showers
- Eyewash and Drench Shower Parts
- Repair parts for eyewash stations and drench showers
- Eyewash and Drench Shower Accessories
- Accessories for eyewash stations and drench showers
Shop by Manufacturer
- Bradley Eyewash and Drench Shower Parts
- Repair parts for Bradley eyewash stations and drench showers
- Guardian Eyewash and Drench Shower Parts
- Repair parts for Guardian eyewash stations and drench showers
- Haws Eyewash and Drench Shower Parts
- Repair parts for Haws eyewash stations and drench showers
- Speakman Eyewash and Drench Shower Parts
- Repair parts for Speakman eyewash stations and drench showers
- Chicago Eyewash and Drench Shower Parts
- Repair parts for Chicago eyewash stations and drench showers
- Bradley Eyewash and Drench Showers
- Complete Bradley eyewash stations and drench showers
- Guardian Eyewash and Drench Showers
- Complete Guardian eyewash stations and drench showers
- Haws Eyewash and Drench Showers
- Complete Haws eyewash stations and drench showers
- Speakman Eyewash and Drench Showers
- Complete Speakman eyewash stations and drench showers
- Chicago Eyewash and Drench Showers
- Complete Chicago eyewash stations and drench showers
- Bradley Eyewash and Drench Shower Accessories
- Accessories for Bradley eyewash stations and drench showers
- Guardian Eyewash and Drench Shower Accessories
- Accessories for Guardian eyewash stations and drench showers
- Haws Eyewash and Drench Shower Accessories
- Accessories for Haws eyewash stations and drench showers
- Speakman Eyewash and Drench Shower Accessories
- Accessories for Speakman eyewash stations and drench showers
- Universal Eyewash and Drench Shower Accessories
- Universal accessories for eyewash stations and drench showers
About Kully Supply
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Kully Supply was started in 1987 as a plumbing parts distributor of hard-to-find parts. Over the years, we have evolved from a small shop specializing... more »
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