The ANSI Standard - Operation and Maintenance

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Article Title:

The ANSI Standard - Operation and Maintenance

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Article Description:

OSHA regulations set out where eyewash stations should be

and when they are required; they do not provide operating

requirements. However, some state-level health and safety

regulations specifically incorporate the ANSI standard and

so make the provisions of the standard a regulatory

requirement.

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Distribution Date and Time: 2010-11-02 10:15:00

Written By: Rathi Niyogi

Copyright: 2010

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The ANSI Standard - Operation and Maintenance

Copyright © 2010 Rathi Niyogi

CriticalTool, Inc.

http://www.criticaltool.com/

OSHA regulations set out where eyewash stations should be and

when they are required; they do not provide operating

requirements. However, some state-level health and safety

regulations specifically incorporate the ANSI standard and so

make the provisions of the standard a regulatory requirement.

Operation

The ANSI standard for emergency eyewash stations include:

* The eyewash equipment should be located in an area that

requires no more than 10 seconds-while walking-to reach the

station and on the same level (floor) as the area where the

hazardous chemicals are handled. (Note: For particularly harsh

acids or caustics, it is prudent to locate the station even

closer to the area where these chemicals are used. Also, if you

have multiple areas in your facility where corrosive substances

are handled, you will need to ensure that the travel distance is

less than 10 seconds from each area. If not, you will need to

utilize multiple stations.)

* The eyewash nozzles need to be positioned between 33 and 45

inches from the floor and 6 inches from the wall or nearest

obstruction. (Eyewashes are used while someone is bent over,

hence, the ANSI height and head space requirement. One of the

best ways to be sure that you are providing sufficient space for

someone to use an eyewash is to do a " dry test run " by actually

over it and putting your eyes near the nozzles. Also, make sure

that there is sufficient room to the sides and the front of the

eyewash to ensure that use of the eyewash is not impeded.)

* Portable (sometimes called " self-contained " or " gravity

feed " ) eyewashes should deliver a minimum flow of 0.4 gallons

per minute (gpm) and hard-piped eyewashes should provide 3 gpm,

both for a continuous period of at least 15 minutes. (Remember

that the pressure of the water coming out of the eyewash nozzle

needs to be correct-not too high, which may injure someone's

eyes, and not too low, which may cause the nozzles to simply

dribble water out rather than provide a stream that will flush

someone's eyes.).

* Eyewashes need to activate immediately (within 1 second or

less), have a stay-open valve to allow for hands-free operation,

and flush both eyes simultaneously.

* Eyewash flushing nozzles should be protected (i.e., capped or

covered) from airborne contaminants. (Airborne contaminants

include dust and bacteria. When someone's eyes have been

injured, the last thing you want to do is douse them with dirt

and bacteria!)

* Water to the eyewash should be potable (i.e., drinkable) and

water temperature should be moderate (60-80oF).

* Adequate floor drainage or water collection must be provided

for hard-piped emergency eyewash stations to prevent floor

slip/fall hazard during testing or emergency use.

* The eyewash is to be located in an area that is well-lit and

identified with a sign.

Maintenance and Training

* Plumbed eyewash stations should be activated weekly to ensure

that they work properly. Weekly activation not only verifies that

the unit works properly but also prevents the buildup of rust,

sediment, and other contaminants in the water in the piping to

the eyewash. Gravity-feed units do not have to be activated

weekly-but do need to be maintained according to the

manufacturer's instructions.

* Eyewash stations should be maintained in a clean, sanitary

condition (Generally, this can be done simply by wiping the

eyewash with a clean, damp cloth. Cleaning the eyewash with

polishes, detergents, or other cleaners can leave a residue that

can end up in a user's eyes.).

* Access to the eyewash should be maintained clear from

obstruction.

* All eyewash equipment should be inspected annually to make

sure it meets ANSI requirements.

* All employees who might be exposed to a chemical splash should

be trained in the location and use of the equipment. (When an eye

injury occurs as the result of a chemical splash, time is of the

essence-the longer the chemical remains on the eye, the greater

the damage done to the eye-knowing where the eyewash is and how

to properly use it in an emergency can mean the difference

between a minor eye injury and blindness.)

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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor

of (http://www.criticaltool.com/eye-wash-stations.html) eye wash

stations and other eye wash products. If you thought this article

was helpful, additional information on chemical resistant gloves

can be found at different types of eye wash stations can be found

here http://www.criticaltool.com/types-of-eye-wash-stations.html