The ANSI Z358.1-2014 is a standard set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regarding emergency eyewash and shower equipment. This specific standard provides minimum performance and use requirements for eyewash and shower equipment for the emergency treatment of the eyes or body of a person who has been exposed to hazardous materials.

Here are some key points from the ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard for eye wash stations:

• Location: The eye wash station must be located in an area that takes no longer than 10 seconds to reach (roughly 55 feet) from the hazard area, and the path to the station must be free from obstructions.
• Water Temperature: The water supplied by the eyewash station should be tepid. The standard defines ‘tepid’ as a temperature between 60°F (16°C) and 100°F (38°C).
• Flow Rate: Eyewash stations should deliver a minimum of 0.4 gallons of water per minute for at least 15 minutes.
• Activation: The valve to activate the eyewash station should be easy to locate and should activate in one second or less, remaining open without requiring the use of the operator’s hands.
• Maintenance: Eyewash stations should be inspected and tested regularly to ensure they are working correctly and can deliver a suitable volume of water. The standard recommends weekly activation for inspection purposes.
• Training: Workers should be trained in how to use the eyewash station and should be aware of its location.

The ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard is designed to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, workers have immediate access to a device that can mitigate injuries caused by exposure to harmful chemicals or substances.

Are there any specific requirements for the design of eyewash stations according to the ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard?

Yes, the ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard does provide specific design requirements for eyewash stations. Some of these include:

1. Spray Pattern: The eyewash station should be designed to deliver flushing fluid in a way that the fluid covers both eyes simultaneously and not be injurious to the user. The eyes should be able to receive fluid without requiring the user to hold the eyelids open.
2. Flow Rate: The eyewash station should be designed to deliver a flow rate of not less than 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) per minute for 15 minutes.
3. Valve Activation: The valve that controls the flow of flushing fluid should be designed to remain open without the user having to keep it activated.
4. Height and Distance: The flushing fluid should be delivered to the eyes at a height between 33 and 53 inches (83.8 and 134.6 cm) from the surface on which the user stands. The heads of the eyewash station should be 6 inches (15.3 cm) minimum from the wall or nearest obstruction.
5. Drainage: While not specifically required, an effective means of draining the fluid should be provided if the volume of fluid can exceed local plumbing codes, can cause damage, or can create a hazard.
6. Identification: Each eyewash station should be identified with a highly visible sign positioned so the sign is visible within the area served by the eyewash station. The area around the eyewash station should be well-lit.
7. Maintenance and Inspection: The eyewash station should be designed to be easily inspected and maintained. Regular inspections should be carried out to ensure the eyewash station is functioning correctly and is in good condition.

These design requirements are meant to ensure that eyewash stations are effective and can be used easily and safely in the event of an emergency.

Can you use tap water for eye wash station?

The ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard permits the use of tap water in eyewash stations, but it’s essential to consider a few factors:

1. Quality: The water used in eyewash stations should be “tepid”, meaning that it should be lukewarm or at a comfortable temperature for the eyes. Extremely cold or hot water can cause discomfort and may not be effective at flushing out irritants. The ANSI standard recommends a temperature range of 60-100°F (15.5-37.8°C).
2. Potential Contaminants: Tap water can potentially contain contaminants that could be harmful to the eyes. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the tap water meets the quality standards for drinking water.
3. Maintenance: If tap water is used, the eyewash station should be activated weekly to flush the system and prevent the buildup of any potential contaminants.

In some cases, especially in facilities where the quality of tap water can’t be guaranteed, it might be safer to use buffered saline solution in eyewash stations. Buffered saline solution is specifically designed to be compatible with the human eye and can be more comfortable and effective at flushing out irritants.

As always, it’s important to follow local regulations and consult with safety professionals to ensure the correct setup for your specific situation.