Clarification regarding the use of eyewash stations. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Standard Number:

1910.151

1910.1200

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 22, 1996

Mr. Timothy J. Batz, CSP, ARM Senior Vice President Loss Control Manager Lockton Companies Post Office Box 221300 Denver, Colorado 80222-9300

Dear Mr. Batz:

This is in response to your letter of July 31, to the Office of General Industry Compliance Assistance, requesting clarification regarding the use of eyewash stations as required by 1910.151.

You ask in your letter what is a considered a corrosive material, and is there a certain ph-level that quantifies this. Secondly, you ask what travel distance can an eyewash station not exceed from the exposed worker, and asked for clarification of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) meaning of "within the work area."

OSHA's definition of a corrosive is a chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Under the provisions of OSHA's hazard communication standard, (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), employers are required to have a material safety data sheet (MSDS) in the work place for each hazardous chemical which they use. The MSDS provides information you need to ensure proper protective measures are implemented prior to exposure, including emergency and first aid procedures.

Regarding your inquiry as to the required proximity of the eye/face wash units and emergency deluge showers, 29 CFR 1910.151(c) requires that these units, "...shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use." OSHA standards are silent on a required distance and therefore the Agency refers to the recommendations with respect to highly corrosive chemicals contained in American Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment ANSI Z358.1-1990. OSHA interprets the phrase "within the work area" to require that eye/face wash units and emergency deluge showers both be located within 10 feet of unimpeded travel distance from the corrosive material hazard or, in the alternative, within the distance recommended by a physician or appropriate official the employer consulted.

Since your questions were asked in the context of an automobile service garage, enclosed is a copy of OSHA Instruction STD 1-8.2, which provides guidelines regarding eyewash and body flushing facilities required for immediate emergency use in electric storage battery charging and maintenance areas.

We hope this information is responsive to your concerns. If you have any further questions, please contact Renee Carter of my staff at (202) 219-8041, x117.

Sincerely,

Raymond E. Donnelly, Director Office of General Industry Compliance Assistance

Enclosure

July 31,1996

General Industry Compliance Administrator U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-3107 Washington, D.C. 20210

Dear Sir:

I am seeking clarification regarding the use of eyewash stations as required by 1910.151.

The Standard 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 or body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.

My first questions is "What is considered a corrosive material?" Is there a certain pH-level that quantifies this?

The second questions has to do with what constitutes "within the work area?" In other words, what travel distance can the eyewash station not exceed from the exposed worker?

I ask these questions in the context of an automobile service garage. Your prompt response will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

LOCKTON COMPANIES

Timothy J. Batz, CSP, ARM Senior Vice President Loss Control Manager