Many people work in environments with hazardous chemicals on a daily basis but few are protected from accidental exposure to the eye. Anywhere there is chemical hazard, you need eyewash protection – paint shops, medical facilities, photo labs, auto maintenance shops, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies, mortuaries – not just in your standard lab.
If you have wall or counter space to spare and are going for a less expensive approach, a conventional eyewash station would be best. You can choose a wall mounted eyewash station or a deck mounted eyewash station, both ANSI compliant. “Stand-alone” eyewashes are also available and are usually combined with an emergency shower. Last but not least, you can go with a portable eyewash station. Portable eyewash stations do not require costly plumbing. These stations provide you with eyewash safety, reliability and value; usually lasting four times longer than primary self-contained eyewash devices.
Leaving an eyewash station out of your design puts a facility at risk for an OSHA citation. In addition, ANSI Z358.I requires locating an eyewash within 10 seconds of a hazard.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151,subpart k, section c
“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 and body shall be provided within the work for immediate emergency use.”