What are the requirements for eyewash and safety shower placement in a plant?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed a standard (Z358.1-2009) which stipulates that eyewash and safety shower equipment be located on the same level as the hazard. The unit must have unobstructed access and an employee should not have more than a 10 second travel to reach the unit. Unobstructed access means you cannot go through a doorway, up stairs, or around berms to access the eyewash. In order to determine if your unit is located appropriately, visualize having to access the unit from the point of operation with your eyes closed. If you cannot do this without tripping or being injured, or if you cannot get there within 10 seconds, then the unit should be relocated.
Related Questions
- There is a safety shower in the corridor outside my work area. Can I store equipment next to the safety shower and are there any requirements I need to consider?
- How long must I save the used sets of Self-Inspection Cards and Eyewash/Safety Shower Flush Calendars from prior years?
- Does an employee have to seek medical attention once an eyewash or safety shower is used?
