Highlights from OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.151 and the ANSI Z358.1 Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Medical Services and First Aid: 29 CFR 1910.151 1910.151 (c) states "...Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use." ANSI Z358.1-2004 Standard ANSI Z358.1 is a voluntary standard that further clarifies what the minimum requirements for suitable facilities are since the Code of Federal Regulations does not offer further documentation. This is meant to summarize key point within the standard, but not act as a substitute for it. It is recommended the ANSI Z358.1-2004 be consulted directly for further detail. For additional information, visit www.ansi.org. Emergency fixtures must take no more than 10 seconds (approx. 55 feet (16.7 m)) to reach and the path to the fixture must not be hindered by obstructions. Flush both eyes simultaneously. Minimum flushing rates: Plumbed and Self-Contained Eyewash Equipment Minimum - 4 GPM at 30 PSI for 15 minutes Eye/Face Wash Equipment Minimum - 3 GPM at 30 PSI for 15 minutes Plumbed and Self-Contained Emergency Showers Minimum - 20 GPM at 30 PSI for 15 minutes Valve should easily activate in a second or less and remain open on its own until intentionally turned off, keeping hands free to open eyelids. Plumbed valves must be locked-out to prevent unauthorized shutoff. Tepid flushing fluid must be supplied in all type of emergency equipment applications (temperature between 60° F (15.5° C) and 100° F (37.7° C)). A Safety/Health Advisor is the designated professional to determine the best temperature parameters on a case-by-case basis. If there is a potential for freezing conditions, products specifically designed to avoid freezing should be used. Plumbed units should be activated on a weekly basis long enough to be sure flushing fluid is provided. This helps clear sedimentation and flushes stagnant water, reducing the chance of microbial hazards. Emergency equipment should be certified annually by an independent, third-party organization to confirm product is in compliance with ANSI. Emergency equipment must be easily identified by use of a highly visible sign. Adequate lighting must be provided in the area surrounding emergency equipment.

The reason ANSI Z358.1 Standards recommend buffered saline solution instead of tap water... Tap Water ...is because flushing with tap water causes painful damage to even healthy eyes. These microscopic photos compare a normal eye's cells after flushing for 15 minutes with tap water (above) versus flushing with Eyesaline (below), a buffered, preserved, pH-balanced saline solution. Tap water has disrupted the eye's protective epithelial layer and has caused damage to the corneal cells. Eyesaline®