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How close should eyewashes be from hazardous chemicals?

Lab Safety Advisor, September 26, 2005

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z358.1-98, states that eyewash stations must be available whenever acids, caustics, corrosives, and other hazardous chemical or hazardous biological materials are in use. The weekly check to ensure proper function must be documented either at the site of the eyewash station on a secure tag or at a central location. The plumbed eyewash station should be attached to a tepid water source and provide a minimum of 15 minutes of hands-free flushing capacity with a minimum performance standard of four gallons per minute.

To test the eyewash station, remove the protective eyepiece caps, push the handle to the On position, and allow the eyewash to run for three minutes. When the time is up, turn off the eyewash, rinse out the eyepiece caps with 10% bleach, flush them with water for 15 seconds, and return them to their original positions. Eyewashes can be operated either by foot or with one hand. Make sure water pressure is adjusted to provide a gentle flow of water over the eyes-too much pressure can damage the cornea.

Eyewash stations must be checked weekly for proper functioning and cleanliness. Flush the system for three minutes to ensure steady (though gentle) flow and to remove stagnant water.

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