EYEWASH STATION (EWS) LOCATION 1 • Within 10 seconds from the hazard (about 55 feet). 2 • On the same plane as the hazard. 3 • Have a path that is unobstructed: • In some instances, a free-swinging door with no handles may be allowed. • If the chemical hazard is caustic (such as battery acid), the eyewash station needs to be available directly and not through a door. Clearance • At least 30 inches clearance on all sides from any obstruction. • 48 inches from the back wall or nearest permanent obstruction. • 27 inches of knee clearance below the unit. Identification • Must be in a well-lit area and include a highly visible sign. • A “DO NOT BLOCK” parameter is highly recommended to ensure clearance. EWS MAINTENANCE, CAUTIONS AND COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS Inspect and perform weekly activations. A weekly maintenance/ activation log needs to be maintained, and 90-day flushes for wall-mounted units also need to be performed/documented. • Any valves on the supply line to plumbed units need to have their handles removed. • Water hoses, sinks, faucets, showers and eyewash bottles DO NOT comply with Cal/OSHA standards. • Handheld drench units support but do not replace a dedicated EWS. • A single step into an enclosure where EWS can be accessed is not considered to be an obstruction. • HOWEVER, this must also meet wheelchair accessibility requirements where applicable. • The PARTS department dealing with any chemicals that can cause corrosion, severe irritation or permanent tissue damage (battery acid) also needs a dedicated EWS. CONCLUSION Adhering to these guidelines for eye protection and eyewash stations is essential to safeguard your employees from potential eye injuries and ensure regulatory compliance. By implementing comprehensive safety measures, we can reduce the risk of injury and promote a safe working environment. This article does not cover all necessary elements of the standard. We merely summarize some important elements. Ref: CAL/OSHA: Title 8 CCR 5162, 3382 FED: 29 CFR 1910.151(c), 133 (a) (1) ANSI: Z87-1, -2+, 358.1-2014 DISCLAIMER: The contents of this newsletter are for informational purposes only and are not to be considered as legal advice. Employers must consult their lawyer for legal matters and EPA/OSHA consultants for matters related to Environmental, Health & Safety. The article was authored by Sam Celly of Celly Services Inc., who has been helping automobile dealers across the United States comply with EPA and OSHA regulations for over 38 years. Sam is a certified safety professional (No. 16515) certified by the National Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Sam received his BE (1984) and MS (1986) in chemical engineering, followed by a J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law (1997). Sam is a member of the American Chemical Society (No. 31176063), American Industrial Hygiene Association (No. 124715), and National Association of Dealer Counsel (NADC). Sam also serves on the Board of Orange County American Industrial Hygiene Association and on the California Industrial Hygiene Council (CIHC). Our newsletters can be accessed at www.epaoshablog.com. Your comments/questions are always welcome. Please send them to sam@cellyservices.com. 16 SAN DIEGO DEALER
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