I was doing some research for as client and came across this information, which I think is something many of us have been struggling with. The source is MN-OSHA, which is a state OSHA plan and these plans can be MORE stringent than federal OSHA – but they can NOT be lesser. Which means that if we comply with this guidance and we work in a Fed OSHA state we should be on some solid compliance ground. The question is… How “corrosive” does a chemical have to be before we are required to install a eyewash and/or safety shower (EW/SS)?
Prepared by:
MNOSHA Workplace Safety Consultation, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry; June 2011
At what pH levels does MNOSHA require an emergency eyewash?
Whenever an employee works with a chemical with a pH of 2 or less (very acidic) or a pH of 11 or greater (very basic or alkaline) and the manner in which the employee works with the material poses a potential for a splash or spatter to the eyes and face, an ANSI-approved emergency eyewash must be provided for access within 10 seconds of the hazard area.
At what pH levels does MNOSHA also require an emergency shower?
Whenever an employee works with a chemical with a pH of 1 or less (highly acidic) or a pH of 12 or greater (highly basic or alkaline) and the manner in which the employee works with the material poses a potential for contact with the skin of the body, an ANSI-approved emergency shower must also be provided for access within 10 seconds of the hazard area.
Travel-time between the operation where the hazardous substance is used and the unit, must be 10 seconds or fewer.
– Appendix B5 of ANSI Z358.1-2009 states an average person covers a distance of approximately 55 feet in 10 seconds, when walking at a normal pace.
– The unit must be on the same level as the operation in question. The climbing of stairs to reach the unit during an emergency is not allowed.
ANSI recommends the unit be immediately adjacent to the hazard when the pH of the hazardous substance is less than or equal to 1, or equal to or greater than 12.
Note: When strong acids or strong alkaline materials make contact with the eyes, the damage occurs within 15 seconds. If it takes more than 10 seconds to reach the unit.
CLICK HERE for this MN-OSHA pdf
I have checked the ANSI standard for this info and could not find it, so if anyone knows where MN-OSHA got their information, PLEASE let me know.