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ANSI Eyewash Z358.1-2014 In-Depth Compliance Guide - Current 2017 | ![]() |
The ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard establishes a universal minimum performance and use requirements for all Eyewash and Drench Shower equipment used for the treatment of the eyes, face, and body of a person who has been exposed to hazardous materials and chemicals. The ANSI Z358.1 Eyewash standard was first implemented in 1981. The standard was modified in 1990, 1998, 2004, 2009, and 2014. Equipment that falls under this standard includes: Drench Showers, Eyewash, Eye/Face Wash, Portable Eyewash, and Combination Eyewash & Drench Shower units. The ANSI Z358.1 standard also covers equipment performance and use requirements for Personal Wash Unit Units and Drench Hoses, which are considered to be supplemental equipment to emergency Eyewash and Drench Safety Shower units. In addition to performance and use requirements, the ANSI Z358.1 standard also provides uniform requirements for testing procedures, employee training, and maintenance of flushing equipment. | |
2014 Updates to ANSI Z358.1-2009 Eyewash Standard | |
As an online leader in the Emergency Eyewash industry, EyewashDirect.com is committed to keeping our customers up to date on the most recent safety standards. By providing the most thorough and up to date information, we strive to help ensure all of your regulations are met, and that the right products are applied within your application. Here’s what’s new:
The majority of the ANSI Z358.1 standard did not change since the last 2009 version. Here’s an overview of the newest, and most current changes for the ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard released on January 8, 2015: |
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2009 Updates to ANSI Z358.1-2004 Eyewash Standard | |
While most of the ANSI Z358.1 standard did not change since the 2004 version, here's a quick look at two important changes that were made.
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Equipment Location | |
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Obstructions | |
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Identification | |
Eyewash and Drench Shower Stations must be installed in a well-lit area and identified with a highly visible safety sign. |
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Supply Lines | |
All water supply lines must be provided to meet the ANSI minimum flow requirements at 30-90 PSI. The recommended incoming pipe sizes are as follows: 1/2" (1.27 cm) IPS for Eyewash Stations and Eye/Face Wash Stations |
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Shut-Off Valves | |
If shut-off valves are installed on the supply line for maintenance purposes, provisions must be in place to prevent unauthorized shut-off. Lock-out, Tag-out devices are the most common method to secure shut-off valves. | |
Waste Disposal | |
Proper disposal of contaminated flushing fluid must be considered when installing new equipment. Drainage, freezing temperatures, pollutants, and elevated showers are factors to consider. Consult with your local, state, and federal authorities for additional guidance on the proper wastewater disposal. | |
Water Temperature & Tepid Water | |
Medical professionals recommend that tepid flushing fluids be used to treat chemically injured eyes and body tissue. Temperatures that exceed 100°F can enhance chemical interaction with the eyes and skin. Additionally, flushing fluid temperatures below 60°F can cause hypothermic shock. The ANSI Z358.1-2009 standard states that while cooler flushing fluids may provide immediate relief after chemical contact, “prolonged exposure to cold fluids affect the ability to maintain adequate body temperature and can result in the premature cessation of first aid treatment”. Tepid water can be delivered to Eyewash and Shower flushing stations by many different means. The most common method is by installing Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV's) or Water Tempering Valves. These valves blend hot and cold water to provide a comfortable flushing fluid within the temperature range as defined by ANSI. Access to hot water is a necessary component and can be achieved through traditional water heaters, on-demand water heaters (tankless water heaters), and recirculating systems. It's important to note that standard water mixing valves should not be used for the purpose of providing tepid water to Emergency Eyewash and Drench Shower Stations. Mixing valves designed specifically for Eyewash related products include a hot water shut-off to prevent accidental scalding, and a cold-water bypass to ensure the delivery of flushing fluids in the event that the hot water supply fails. During the winter months, most facilities located in the U.S. have outside temperatures that are below 32°F. Eyewash Stations and Drench Shower units that are exposed to freezing temperatures must be protected. ANSI states that "Where the possibility of freezing conditions exists, equipment shall be protected from freezing or freeze-protected equipment shall be installed". Freeze Protection valves are a cost effective way to prevent water from freezing in supply pipes and within the flushing stations. Additionally, Heat Trace units, Heater Jackets, and Freeze Protected Eyewash equipment can be used to prevent the freezing of Flushing Stations. For locations where the ambient water temperature may exceed 100°F, anti-scald valves should be used to purge potentially scalding water from the supply lines. This may include outdoor locations that are exposed to direct sunlight, or indoor locations that may be exposed to extreme temperatures from machinery or manufacturing processes. |
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Training | |
All employees who may be exposed to hazardous, particulate, or corrosive materials shall be instructed on the proper operation of Eyewash & Drench Shower equipment. In addition, all employees must be made aware of the locations of flushing stations. | |
Maintenance & Testing | |
Proper maintenance and weekly testing is necessary to ensure that Emergency Drench Showers and Eyewash Stations are functioning safely and properly. Weekly testing helps clear the supply lines of sediment and bacteria build-up that is caused by stagnant water. The ANSI standard states that plumbed flushing equipment "shall be activated weekly for a period long enough to verify operation and ensure that flushing fluid is available." Furthermore, the ANSI Z358.1-2009 standard also requires Portable and Self Contained equipment "be visually checked to determine if flushing fluid needs to be changed or supplemented." | |
Personal Wash Units/Bottled Eyewash | |
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Performance & Installation Requirements | |
Eye Wash Stations
Eye/Face Wash Stations
Drench Showers
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EyewashDirect helps you shop over 1,000 ANSI-compliant emergency eyewash, safety shower stations, and supplies in one place. Our product manufacturers include industry leaders Bradley, Guardian, Haws, Speakman, and Acorn Safety. With such an extensive catalog, we have every application covered, including laboratory eyewash, barrier-free eyewash, portable units, tempering valves, alarm systems, drench showers, freeze protected eyewash safety stations, and more. To help you find the right product quicker we’ve installed easy-to-use custom filters that allow you to select products by eyewash bowl type, drench shower, shower head type, eyewash spray head type, manufacturer, and price. And if you simply need to repair your existing emergency eyewash stations or upgrade your old units with retrofit spray heads and shower heads, common replacement parts from Bradley, Haws, and Guardian are easy to find in our broad replacement parts category. |