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:

- Section 4.1.5 – "Emergency showers shall be designed, manufactured and installed in such a manner that, once activated, they can be used without requiring the use of the operator’s hands." (2009 standard did not specify hands-free operations for emergency showers).

- Section 4.6.3 – "Self-contained emergency showers shall be visually checked weekly to determine if flushing fluid needs to be changed or supplemented. Such inspection shall be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions." (2009 standard did not specify checks were to occur weekly).

- Section 5.4.4, 6.4.4 – Eyewashes and Eye/Face Washes shall "be arranged such that the flushing fluid flow pattern as described in Section 5.1.8 (and 6.1.8) is not less than 33 in. and no greater than 53 in. from the surface on which the user stands and 6 in. minimum from the wall or nearest obstruction." (2009 standard specified that the "height of the nozzles" be no greater than 45 in. The 2014 standard specifies that the "height of the fluid flow pattern" be no greater than 53. A greater importance has been placed on the height of the flushing fluid stream).

- Section 5.5.3 – "Self-contained eyewashes shall be visually checked weekly to determine if flushing fluid needs to be changed or supplemented. Such inspection shall be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions." (2009 standard did not specify checks were to occur weekly).

- Appendix B5 – "A single step up into an enclosure where the equipment can be accessed is not considered to be an obstruction. Additionally, installers should allow for adequate overhead clearance to accommodate the presence of cabinets over a counter or faucet-mounted emergency eyewash so as not to create an additional hazard that could be encountered when using the device." (2009 standard did not contain this verbiage).

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.

• Tepid Water: In previous versions of the ANSI Z358.1 standard, tepid water was mentioned in the Appendix of the standard. Now in the 2009 standard, tepid water requirements have been moved into the Definitions section which clearly defines a tepid water range of 60°-100°F. It is expected that regulators will now be stepping up the enforcement of tepid water requirements, so make sure your facilities are in compliance. Read more about tepid water in the section below.
• Simultaneous Operation: The standard now states that units which combine a Drench Shower and Eye/Eye Face Wash unit must accommodate simultaneous use. Therefore, both the Drench Shower and Eye Wash unit must be fully operable at the same time to properly flush the skin, eyes, and face.

Eyewash and Drench Shower Stations must be installed in a well-lit area and identified with a highly visible safety sign.

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
1" (2.54 cm) IPS for Drench Showers
1-1/4" (3.175 cm) IPS for Combination Eyewash Drench Showers

Delivering tepid water is a crucial but often overlooked component of providing compliant Eyewash and Drench Shower flushing stations. The recently updated ANSI Z358.1-2009 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment standard includes the strictest language to date for the delivery of tepid water. ANSI defines "tepid water" as "A flushing fluid temperature conducive to promoting a minimum 15 minute irrigation period. A suitable range is 16-38°C (60-100°F)". Recent data compiled from end user customers and regulatory authorities have indicated that tepid water is becoming an increased focus during Eyewash/Shower facility inspections, especially at healthcare facilities.

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.

Bottled Eyewash or other Personal Wash Units such as single head Drench Hoses are considered to be supplemental equipment only. These types of flushing units do not meet ANSI's requirements for Eyewash and/or Drench Shower stations and should not be used as an alternative to a15-minute flushing station. The ANSI Z358.1-2009 standard states, "A personal wash unit may be kept in the immediate vicinity of employees working in a potentially hazardous area. The main purpose of these units is to supply immediate flushing. With this accomplished, the injured individual should then proceed to a plumbed or self contained Eyewash and flush the eyes for the required 15-minute period."

Eye Wash Stations

• Minimum flow for plumbed and portable Eyewash units is .4 GPM at 30 PSI
• Units must be capable of delivering a minimum of 15 minutes of flushing fluid
• Eyewash units shall be capable of being activated in 1 second or less
• Stay open ball valves must be used to accommodate for hands-free rinsing
• Flushing fluid must be provided to both eyes simultaneously
• Dust caps or dust covers must be installed to protect the unit from contaminates
• Sprayheads must be positioned between 33" and 45" from the floor
• Sprayheads must be positioned at least 6" from the wall or nearest obstruction

Eye/Face Wash Stations

• Minimum flow for plumbed and portable Eyewash units is 3 GPM at 30 PSI
• Units must be capable of delivering a minimum of 15 minutes of flushing fluid
• Eyewash units shall be capable of being activated in 1 second or less
• Stay open ball valves must be used to accommodate for hands-free rinsing
• Flushing fluid must be provided to both eyes simultaneously
• Dust caps or dust covers must be installed to protect the unit from contaminates
• Sprayheads must be positioned between 33" and 45" from the floor
• Sprayheads must be positioned at least 6" from the wall or nearest obstruction

Drench Showers

• Minimum flow for Drench Showers is 20 GPM at 30 PSI
• Units must be capable of delivering a minimum of 15 minutes of flushing fluid
• Drench Showers shall be capable of being activated in 1 second or less
• Stay open ball valves must be used to accommodate for hands-free rinsing
• Drench Shower pull-rod must be installed no more than 69" from the floor
• Drench Shower sprayhead must be positioned between 82"-96" from the floor
• Spray-pattern must be 20" in diameter at 60" above the floor.
• Center of spray pattern must be at least 16" away from any obstruction
• Combination Units must meet both criteria for Drench Showers & Eyewash