|
|
WHAT:ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 (R20) establishes minimum equipment performance for flow rates, temperature delivery and drenching patterns of eyewashes, emergency showers and combination units. It was written and published by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), an ANSI-accredited standards developing organization. The standard is designed to ensure that users receive sufficient rinsing of the eyes, face and body in the event of an emergency. The requirements in the standard are based in part on medical recommendations for body parts exposed to hazardous materials to be irrigated quickly and for a sufficient length of time. The ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 standard includes specifications for:
the proper installation of units. They must be positioned to deliver flushing fluid in the required pattern and at a safe, tepid temperature, accessible within 10 seconds of a potential exposure, and identified with appropriate signage. periodic testing to ensure the proper function of the units employee instruction and training WHY: Hazardous materials are a feature in many factories, chemical plants, labs, paper mills and other types of industrial facilities. Employees who must work with or near toxic substances are potentially at risk from exposure to them. Coming into contact with contaminants can cause devastating injuries to the eyes and body. Acting quickly to remove hazardous materials using emergency eyewashes and showers may prevent or reduce the severity of injuries.
With more than 13 million workers in the U.S. potentially exposed to chemicals via the skin, the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has identified chemical exposure in U.S. workplaces as a “significant problem.”1 According to the National Safety Council, there were 9,380 workplace eye injuries in 2021-22.2 In 29 CFR 1910.151, OSHA requires that: “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.” |
|
|
|
|
ABOUT THE STANDARD:Each clause in ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 covers a separate type of equipment, although there are some commonalities:
the flushing liquid’s velocity and quantity should be controlled the control valve should be simple to operate and go from off to on in 1 second or less the control valve should be resistant to corrosion the flushing fluid should be tepid – 60-100 degrees Fahrenheit the shower or eyewash station should be position so that it is highly visible and accessible, within a ten-second reach of an affected employee WHERE TO START:As with other workplace safety measures, eyewash and emergency shower selection and placement should begin with a job hazard analysis. This will ensure that the equipment that is chosen is the appropriate type and quantity and that it is accessible for those working near or with hazardous chemicals. Here are factors that should be considered during a hazard assessment:
Where in the worksite are hazardous materials present? Identify all locations. Is there plumbing near these areas? (If there isn’t, a self-contained unit could be used.) Would employees be able to reach eyewash/shower stations located near hazards within 10 seconds via an unobstructed path? Would an eyewash/shower station need to be outdoors or indoors? Taking this further: would it be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures, or to environmental elements like dust? Consult the safety data sheets that are applicable for the substances used in your facility. Do they call for immediately flushing or drenching the skin or eyes for an employee who is exposed to a hazardous material? Which part or parts of the body are likely to be exposed? ISEA offers a helpful Selection, Installation and Use Guide Emergency Eyewash And Shower Equipment guide. |
|
|
Become a master in ANSI Z358.1-2014 Shower & Eye Wash Compliance! Sign up today for a FREE Master Class hosted by Haws. While the majority of business owners believe that their emergency equipment is fully functional, the reality is that there is a one in five chance they will work properly in an actual emergency. By attending this free master class you will gain a better understanding of the ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 Standard for eyewash and shower equipment, along with a step-by-step overview on how to test your equipment for installation and performance compliance to ensure you are prepared during an actual emergency.
If you are a member of ASPE, ABIH, or IFMA, you will receive a CEU for attending this Free webinar.
After this webinar you will be able to: • Understand ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 significant requirements • Conduct weekly & annual inspections • Identify compliance best practices
You will also receive these complimentary materials: • Weekly and Annual ANSI Checklist • Access to On-Demand Webinar • CEUs toward the following organizations*: ASPE, ABIH, IFMA *must show proof of attendance
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL EQUIPMENT:Personal wash units: These do not fulfill the requirements of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014, but can deliver immediate flushing fluid to affected body parts until the affected person can reach emergency equipment. Modesty curtains: It is vital for an affected person to immediately remove contaminated clothing, so that it no longer touches and affects the skin. Modesty curtains can provide privacy for someone who must disrobe. Dust covers: Contaminants in the air and in the equipment could make their way into injured eyes and skin and exacerbate the injuries. Covering the nozzles and the eyewash bowl can keep the drenching fluid clean. Foot controls: Stepping on a foot pedal may be an easier way to activate an emergency fixture for someone unable to fully open their eyes. Freeze protection: In cold environments, plumbed equipment could be protected by electrical heat tracing; a frost proof hydrant, or by locating the emergency equipment near a heated space. Self-contained units can be protected from freezing temperatures with blankets. |
|
|
MAINTENANCE TESTING:Personal wash units: These do not fulfill the requirements of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014, but can deliver immediate flushing fluid to affected body parts until the affected person can reach emergency equipment. Modesty curtains: It is vital for an affected person to immediately remove contaminated clothing, so that it no longer touches and affects the skin. Modesty curtains can provide privacy for someone who must disrobe. Dust covers: Contaminants in the air and in the equipment could make their way into injured eyes and skin and exacerbate the injuries. Covering the nozzles and the eyewash bowl can keep the drenching fluid clean. Foot controls: Stepping on a foot pedal may be an easier way to activate an emergency fixture for someone unable to fully open their eyes. Freeze protection: In cold environments, plumbed equipment could be protected by electrical heat tracing; a frost proof hydrant, or by locating the emergency equipment near a heated space. Self-contained units can be protected from freezing temperatures with blankets.
WHO:Organizations that require eyewashes and emergency showers to be compliant with ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 include:
International Plumbing Code (IPC sec 411) Uniform Plumbing Code (UPS sec 416) US Department of Energy (10 CFR 851) US Navy US Air Force RELATED STANDARDS: ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 is available as part of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 / ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 – Workplace First Aid Kits and Eyewash Package and ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 / ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 – Eyewash and Eye Protection Package. ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014: American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment is available on the ANSI Webstore.
ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 can be purchased here. 1. www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-200/default.html 2. https://tinyurl.com/y4urrvby |
|
|
|
|
