Emergency Shower and Eyewash

1.0 Purpose and Scope

Microsoft established the Emergency Shower and Eyewash program for compliance with applicable regulations such as Occupational Safety Department (OSHA) regulation, 29 CFR 1910.151. Additional state and local regulations may apply. Work areas such as laboratories where employees may be exposed to hazardous or injurious corrosive materials or other dangerous chemicals are required to have emergency washing facilities (eye washes and safety showers) accessible for immediate use. In general, standard bathroom or kitchen sinks do not satisfy these requirements.

Requirements presented in this program apply to all work areas where Microsoft employees and external staff could potentially be exposed to injurious corrosive materials or other dangerous chemicals.

2.0 Emergency Shower and Eyewash Program Requirements

Each Microsoft location where employees or external staff could potentially be exposed to injurious corrosive materials or other dangerous chemicals is required to have emergency eyewash and possibly emergency shower equipment readily accessible. An emergency shower is needed when there is a potential for large parts of your body to be exposed to these hazards.

Emergency showers and eyewash stations are designed to provide on-the-spot decontamination by flushing away potentially injurious chemical and biological materials that personnel may be exposed to while doing their job. Eyewash stations and safety showers are first aid equipment to be used in the event of an accident. They are, however, not substitutes for primary personal protective devices (including eye and face protection and protective clothing) or for safe procedures for handling hazardous materials. Employees must be trained in the location and proper use of emergency equipment in their places of work. The American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard Z358.1 – 2014 provides guidelines for installation, operation, and maintenance of emergency showers and eye wash equipment.

2.1 Location and Accessibility

Emergency showers and eyewash stations must be located no more than 50 feet or 10 seconds away from the work area where the hazardous materials are used and located on the same level/ pathway.
Access to emergency washing equipment must be unobstructed at all times.
Emergency showers and eyewash stations must have highly visible signs near the stations and should be well lit.
Eyewash and Eye/face wash nozzles must be positioned 33-53 inches (83.8 cm134.6 cm) from the floor and at least 6 inches from the wall.
Drench hose head must be placed 33-45 inches from the floor and 6 inches from the wall.
The shower head of the emergency shower must be between 82-96 inches from the floor.
The actuator should not be higher than 69 inches from the surface floor of the user.
For combination units, please refer to dimensions of emergency showers and eyewash, eye/face wash stations.

2.2 Performance

2.2.1 Emergency Shower

The control valve should go from “off” to “on” in 1 second or less. After activation, no hands should be needed to keep the flushing fluid flowing.
Must supply tepid water 60-100 °F (16-38 °C).
Capable of delivering tepid flushing fluid at a minimum of 20 gallons per minute (75.7 Liters) for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Spray pattern must have a minimum of 20 inches (50.8 cm) at 60 inches (152.4 cm) above the surface the individual stands.
The center of the flushing fluid pattern shall be at least 16 inches from any obstructions.
The height of the flushing fluid column (showerhead) should be at least 82 inches (208.3 cm) and no more than 96 inches (243.8 cm) from the floor.
Made of materials that will not corrode in the presence of flushing fluid.

2.2.2 Eyewash

Control valves should be easy to use and should go from “off” to “on” in 1 second or less. After activation, no hands should be needed to keep it open.
Eyewash nozzles must be protected with auto-opening covers to prevent airborne contaminants and accumulation of dust.
Must supply tepid water 60-100 °F (16-38 °C).
Capable of delivering tepid flushing fluid to both eyes at no less than 0.4 gallons per minute (1.5 Liters) for 15 minutes for eyewash.
Made of materials that will not corrode in the presence of flushing fluid and provide freeze protection.
The test gauge for making the determination of suitable eyewash must be a minimum of 4 inches (10.16 cm) in length with two sets of parallel lines. The interior set of lines is 1.25 inches (3.18 cm) apart, and the exterior is 3.25 inches (8.26 cm).
Flushing fluid must cover areas between the interior and exterior lines of the gauge at some point less than 8 inches (20.3 cm) above the eyewash nozzle.

2.2.3 Eye/face wash

Control valves should be easy to use. The valve should go from “off” to “on” in 1 second or less. After activation, no hands should be needed to keep it open.
Eyewash nozzles must be protected with auto-opening covers to prevent airborne contaminants.
Must supply tepid water 60-100 °F (16-38 °C).
Eye/face wash must be capable of delivering flushing fluid to the eyes and face not less than 3.0 gallons per minute (11.4 Liters) for 15 minutes.
Test gauge for making the determination of suitable eyewash must be a minimum of 4in (10.16 cm) in length with two sets of parallel lines. The interior set of lines is 1.25 inches (3.18 cm) apart, and the exterior is 3.25 inches (8.26 cm).

2.2.4 Combination Unit

Shall meet the performance requirements of the emergency eyewash station, eye wash and eye/ face wash of ANSI Z358.1.

2.2.5 Supplemental Equipment

Drench hose shall be designed to provide a controlled flow of flushing fluid to a portion of the body at a velocity low enough to be non-injurious to the user.
A drench hose may be considered an eyewash or eye/face wash if the device meets the performance requirements of ANSI Z358.1.

2.3 Installation

Contact Global OHS for assistance in meeting the requirements of this program.
Contractors and/or Facilities Management will assemble and install all units per manufacturer’s instructions. Units shall also meet the requirements of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Standard Z358.1-2014 or later.
Newly installed emergency eyewash and safety shower must be equipped with a mixing valve, which allows a supply of tepid water.

3.0 Weekly Testing and Annual Inspection

3.1 Plumbed Eyewash, Eye/face wash, Drench Hose

Eyewash, Eye/face wash, and Drench hose units must be visually inspected and activated weekly to check the device functionality and clear the water from rust, sediment, bacteria or any other contaminant accumulated in the pipes.
Inspections must be documented.
Check to ensure equipment is clean and free from obstructions.
Check unit to ensure that there are no broken parts, leakage, pipe damage, corrosion, and placement of protective covers.
Valve activator should activate in one second or less and remain open when in use.
Ensure that flushing fluid flow is continuous and evaluate if the unit can maintain flow for 5 minutes.
Make sure eye protectors pop out when turning on the activation valve.
Control flow must be provided to both eyes. Uneven flow to one eye or the other indicates malfunction or blockage.

3.2 Plumbed Safety Shower

Safety showers should be at least activated and inspected annually to check the device functionality and clear the water from rust, sediment, bacteria or any other contaminant accumulated in the pipes.
Inspections much be documented on a tag hanging from the equipment.
Check that it is free from obstructions with a clean, and visible sign.
Check unit to ensure that there are no broken parts, leakage, pipe damage, corrosion, and placement of protective covers.
Valve activator should activate in one second or less and remain open when in use.

3.3 Self-Contained Eye Washes and Safety Showers

Self-contained emergency washing equipment should be visually inspected and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions for any signs of degradation or deficiencies.
Check to ensure equipment is clean and free from obstructions.
Document inspections.
Ensure flushing solution in self-contained eye washes and showers are replaced according to manufacturer’s requirements.

4.0 Test Failure or Malfunctions

If during inspections you encounter any problems with your equipment, please notify the lab manager or Global OHS immediately
Personal protective equipment (goggles, lab coats) and portable eyewash stations (bottles) are only supplemental equipment. They can aid in case of emergency if the equipment is damaged, but they are not a replacement or substitute for eyewash stations.

4.1 Risk Assessment and New Installation for Emergency Units

Contact Global OHS for assistance developing a risk assessment to ensure new emergency washing equipment is appropriate.

5.0 Training

All employees who might be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, strong irritants or toxic chemicals must be trained on the location and proper operation of eyewash, eye/face wash and safety shower units. Contact Global OHS for course materials or other assistance with this training. Topics to be covered include how to:

Understand the hazardous nature of the materials in case of accidental exposure.
Be aware of the specific location of their Safety Data Sheets in case of accidental exposure to hazardous material.
Be aware of the specific location of emergency showers and eyewash stations.
Know how to properly activate and use the specific type of emergency shower and eyewash unit in their work area.
Use an Eyewash unit in the event of an eye injury: individuals should hold their eyes open while rolling their eyeballs continuously so fluid can flow continuously through the eyes and eyelids to flush out any hazardous substance.
Use an emergency shower in the event of a bodily injury: individuals need to remove all contaminated clothing including footwear and socks/stockings while under the shower. An injured person can be assisted with clothing removal when possible. An assistant may use a fire blanket or uncontaminated clothing as a shield to provide privacy for someone who needs to remove their clothes while under an emergency shower, and for body coverage while seeking medical attention.
Flush the body for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

6.0 Roles and responsibilities

Global OHS Team

Define minimum OHS program and training requirements.
Provide consultation to local program administrators as needed.
Define investigation and documentation requirements for serious incidents.
Provide training tools to local Plan Administrators.
Facilitate periodic review of OHS program documents.

Stakeholders for each Microsoft Facility or Business Group are responsible for implementing the requirements established by the Global OHS Program that are necessary for Microsoft to meet its regulatory requirements.

People Manager or Supervisor	Enforce all provisions of Risk Assessment Program for work areas under their control. Ensure plumbed emergency eyewashes and hand-held drench hoses are activated weekly to check the proper functioning of the valves, hardware, and availability of water. Request Risk Assessments be conducted in the work areas under their control. Approve completed Risk Assessments for implementation in their respective areas. Prohibit employees from performing work without the implementation of hazard control strategies or required training. Ensure that all contractors or vendors working on Microsoft-owned equipment or facilities are informed of and adhere to the Microsoft Risk Assessments program. Report all workplace injuries, unsafe conditions, spills or chemical releases, and near misses to Microsoft OHS. Comply with necessary documentation requirements, as described in this document. Submit work orders when emergency showers and eyewashes are not functioning properly. Schedule appointments with Global OHS for the annual emergency shower and eyewash audit Notify Global OHS emergency shower and eyewash have been repaired or newly installed for inspection or re-inspection.
Plan Administrator	Facilitate consistent implementation of the Site Risk Assessment Plan. Implement Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements. Directs or performs Risk Assessments upon request by managers or supervisors. Oversee the selection of risk assessment methods, tools, or forms. Facilitate exposure monitoring and sampling to ensure they are performed by qualified personnel. Facilitate periodic safety audits to ensure that hazard control methods and other requirements identified on the risk assessment have been implemented. Provide required safety and health training resources for supervisors and workers. Investigate and document all reported incidents and/or near misses. Manage the Risk Assessment Program at a specific Microsoft location. Generate and maintain the Site Plan and review those plans at least annually. Verifies that risk assessments are conducted where needed and provisions defined in the risk assessment have been fully implemented. Ensure consistent program implementation and reinforcement of PPE requirements. Post required signage as necessary. Respond to requests for Global OHS annual emergency shower and eyewash audit. Respond to notifications to Global OHS for emergency shower and eyewash for inspection or re-inspection.
Employees	Understand and follow the requirements in this document. Take reasonable care not to put themselves or others at risk during their work. Inform their supervisor or the Plan Administrator of any circumstance that might affect their ability to work safely. Escalate to Global OHS, if appropriate Report all workplace injuries, illnesses, unsafe conditions, and near-misses as soon as possible.
External Staff	External staff who do not receive day-to-day supervision from a Microsoft FTE and who perform work activities covered by this Program are required to include necessary procedures in their safety plans. These procedures must conform to the requirements of this document and the specifics of the Site/Business Group Plan. External staff who receive day-to-day supervision from a Microsoft FTE must follow the requirements of Employees (see above).

7.0 Key terms and definitions

The following terms are used in this document. The definitions below are used in the scope of this document, but local regulatory definitions supersede if there is a conflict.

ANSI Z358.1: American National Standards Institute, American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment.

Annual Inspection: The annual process of making sure that all plumbed emergency washing facilities are inspected once a year to make sure they function correctly.

Combination unit: A device that consists of an emergency shower and eyewash/face station.

Corrosive: A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. For example, a chemical is considered to be corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described by the U.S. Department of Transportation in Appendix A to 49 CFR part 173, it irreversibly destroys or changes the structure of the issue at the site of contact.

Drench Hose: A supplemental device consisting of a flexible hose connected to a flushing fluid supply and used to provide fluid irrigation and flush face and body areas. Drench hoses are not a replacement or an eyewash or emergency shower.

Emergency shower: A device that delivers a sufficient volume of fluid and cascades over the body. Eye/face wash: a device that flushes fluid to both the face and the eyes.

Eyewash: A device that flushes fluid to the eyes.

Flammable: A chemical that catches fire easily. Most flammable chemicals vaporize easily. Flammability is often measured with “flash point.” Lower flash point indicates higher flammability.

Flammable Liquids: Any liquid having a flashpoint at or below 199.4°F. Flammable liquids are divided into four categories as follows:

Category 1 includes liquids having flashpoints below 73.4°F and having a boiling point at or below 95°F.
Category 2 includes liquids having flashpoints below 73.4°F and having a boiling point above 95°F.
Category 3 includes liquids having flashpoints at or above 73.4°F and at or below 140°F. When a Category 3 liquid with a flashpoint at or above 100°F is heated for use to within 30°F of its flashpoint, it must be handled in accordance with the requirements for a Category 3 liquid with a flashpoint below 100°F.
Category 4 includes liquids having flashpoints above 140°F and at or below 199.4°F. When a Category 4 flammable liquid is heated for use to within 30°F of its flashpoint, it must be handled in accordance with the requirements for a Category 3 liquid with a flashpoint at or above 100°F. When liquid with a flashpoint greater than 199.4°F is heated for use to within 30°F of its flashpoint, it must be handled in accordance with the requirements for a Category 4 flammable liquid.

Flushing fluid: Consists of clean/potable water.

Hazardous Chemical: Any material that has a documented or suspected risk of causing injury or illness when employees are exposed to it. Regulatory agencies typically publish a comprehensive definition of this term.

Hazardous material: Substance or compound that can produce adverse health effects in human beings. OSHA’s definition of hazard chemical carcinogens, corrosives, irritants, sensitizers, toxic and highly toxic agents, neurotoxins, reproductive toxins, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, agents that act on the hematopoietic system and agents that can damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against workplace hazards. Examples include safety glasses or goggles, respirators, hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, impermeable or fire-retardant clothing, and protective boots.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS): A standard formatted information sheet prepared by a chemical or material manufacturer, describing the potential hazards, physical properties, and procedures for safe use.

Tepid: Flushing: fluid at a suitable range of 60-100⁰ F (16-38⁰ C).

Valve actuator: A device connected to the valve to facilitate activation.

Weekly Activation: The process of making sure plumbed emergency eyewashes and hand-held drench hoses are activated weekly to check the proper functioning of the valves, hardware, and availability of water.

8.0 Related documents and references

8.1 Microsoft Internal

Microsoft Vendor Code of Conduct
MS Policy 37019-2, Regulatory Compliance
MS Policy 37019-5, Regulatory Investigations, Inspections, and Inquiries
Microsoft Incident Reporting and Investigation Program
Microsoft Hazardous Energy Control (Lock-Out/Tag-Out) Program
Microsoft Electrical Safety Program
Microsoft Exposure Assessment Program
Microsoft Personal Protective Equipment Program
Microsoft Chemical Hygiene Plan
Microsoft Machine Guarding Program
Microsoft Risk Assessment Program

8.2 Microsoft External

ANSI Z358.1-2014 or later - American National Standards Institute, American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment.
Federal OSHA - 1910.151 - Medical services and first aid. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
Washington Labor and Industries – DOSH Directive (DD) 13.00 Emergency Washing Facilities
Oregon OSHA – Oregon Occupational Safety and Health: Eyewash : State of Oregon
California OSHA – California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5162. Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment.

Appendix A: Eyewash and Safety Shower Inspection Checklist

Inspector(s):

Date:

Building: Floor: Room: Corridor:

Lab name:

Facility:

Email/Phone:

Combo

Shower

Eye/Face Wash

Eyewash

Drench Hose

Unit Brand:

Emergency Equipment Checklist		Eyewash		Safety Shower
Emergency Equipment Checklist		Yes	No	Yes	No
	ACCESS
1	Safety stations shall be accessible within 10 seconds of hazards and located on the same level as the hazard with unobstructed travel path.
2	Emergency equipment’s location shall be well lit and identified with a highly visible sign.
3	All Eyewash/Safety shower units shall be inspected annually to assure conformance with ANSI Z358.1.
	SAFETY UNIT
4	Hands-free stay-open valve activates in one second or less.
5	Valve actuator is easy to locate and readily accessible to user
6	The showerhead must be 82 to 96 inches above the surface floor of the user.	NA
7	The actuator cannot be more than 69 inches (173.3 cm) from the surface floor of the user.	NA
8	Safety equipment has no leakage and/or corrosion
9	Eyewash equipment shall be activated weekly for plumbed systems and inspected as recommended by the manufacturer of self-contained systems.			NA
10	Spray heads are protected from airborne contaminants.			NA
	WATER FLOW
11	Deliver tepid flushing fluid (above 60 ºF/15.5 ºC and below 100 ºF/37.8 ºC)
12	Shower must deliver minimum of 20 gallons (75.7 L) per minute	NA
13	Unit washes both eyes simultaneously. Water flow covers area indicated on Guardian Test gauge at no more than 8 inches above spray heads			NA
14	Eye/face wash equipment must deliver a minimum of 3 gallons (11.4 L) per minute of water. Eyewash only must deliver a minimum of 0.4 gallons (1.5 L) per minute of water.			NA
15	Eyewash/ Eye/Face wash covers are removed by water flow.			NA
16	Water flow pattern is positioned between 33 inches (83.8 cm) and 53 inches (134.6 cm) from the floor and at least 6 inches (15.3 cm) from the wall or nearest obstruction.			NA

NOTES:

Appendix B: Standard Operation Procedure for Annual Emergency Equipment Inspection

Check if there is any obstruction around the safety equipment. The location of safety station should be within 10 seconds (approximately 55 feet) of hazard, on the same level hazard and with unobstructed travel path. The safety station should be located adjacent to the hazard, where strong acids or bases are being handled. Moreover, ask employees where the safety equipment is located and proper use of the emergency equipment.
Check if the safety equipment is well lit and if it has a visible sign.
Check if the safety equipment has an annual certification tag.
Hands-free stay-open valve activates in one second or less.
The valve actuator is easy to locate and readily accessible to the user.
Measure the height between the surface floor to the shower head. It should be 82 to 96 inches.
Check if the eyewash station has weekly flushing log.
Spray head should be kept covered all time, and the covers should be removed by water flow.
Install the yellow curtain on the shower head and place it in the water container. Flush the shower until clean water comes. You might need to flush several times to see the clean water while you measure the water temperature that should be above 60 ºF/15.5 ºC and below 100 ºF/37.8 ºC. The shower must deliver tepid flushing fluid at a minimum of 20 gallons per minute (75.7L) for a minimum of 15 minutes. Spray pattern must have a minimum of 20in (50.8cm) at 60in (152.4cm) above the surface the individual stands.
To measure flow rate for the shower, activate the shower for 15 seconds while you collect the water. Measure the volume, which should be above 5 gallons. Repeat.
Have Guardian Test Gauge, and water flow covers area indicated on Guardian Test gauge at no more than 8” above spray heads.
To check eye/face wash, make sure you have enough water-absorbent pads/towels around the eye/face wash to minimize water splash. If there is any electronic device around, make sure that it is protected from water splash with absorbent pads/towels/relocating the equipment temporally. Lab members should be involved in relocating the equipment. Flush it first until you see clean water and measure the temperature, which should be above 60 ºF/15.5 ºC and below 100 ºF/37.8 ºC. Collect the water for 20 seconds and measure the volume, which should be at least 1 gallon (3.8 L). Measure twice. For eyewash only, prepare the area as same as eye/face wash with absorbent pads/towels/relocating the equipment temporally. Flush until the clean water comes out and measure the volume for 20 sec. The volume should be at least 0.13 gallon (0.5 L). Measure twice.
Spray head should be always covered, and the covers should be removed by water flow.
Measure the water flow pattern position, which should be 33 inches (83.8 cm) and 53 inches (134.6 cm) from the floor and at least 6 inches (15.3 cm) from the wall or nearest obstruction.

Appendix C: Notification of Eyewash and Safety Shower Inspection

Inspector(s)				Date
Location		Building: Floor: Room: Corridor:
	Eyewash Drench Hose		Eye/Face Wash	Emergency Shower	Combination Unit
ID/Description

OHS conducted an annual inspection for Emergency Safety Equipment to ensure minimum performance and use requirement according to American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment (ANSI Z358.1-2014).

A. Unit meets the minimum performance & use requirement according to ANSI Z358.1-2014

B. The following deficiency should be corrected immediately:

Obstructed. Safety stations and the path of travel shall be free of obstructions.

No visible sign. Safety stations shall be identified with a highly visible sign.

Unprotected or dirty spray heads. Spray heads are protected from airborne contaminants.

Others:

C. The following deficiency should be corrected by submitting Facility Request work order with a copy to

Less or over water flow/pressure

Eyewash and Eye/Facewash washes both eyes simultaneously, and its water flow pattern is positioned between 33 inches and 53 inches. Eye/face wash equipment must deliver a minimum of 3 gallons (11.4 L) per minute for 15 min. Eyewash only must deliver a minimum of 0.4 gallons (1.5 L) per minute for 15 min. The shower must deliver a minimum of 20 gallons (75.7 L) per minute for 15 min.

Tepid flushing fluid

The flushing fluid temperature should be above 60 ºF/15.5 ºC and below 100 ºF/37.8 ºC.

The actuator is not working properly.

Hands-free-stay-open valve shall activate in one second or less and easy to locate.

Post sign

Install covers

Chain Shower Flushing Request

Others:

D. Please contact Global OHS for re-inspection after correcting above.

Appendix D: Weekly Eyewash Flushing Log

Eyewash must be flushed for 2-5 minutes weekly.
Eyewash station shall be free of obstructions.
Spray heads are to be kept clean and protected from airborne contaminants.
Eyewash stations shall wash both eyes simultaneously with adequate pressure and tepid flushing fluid.

Date	Flushing	Adequate Pressure	Free of Obstruction	Initial
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Program name	Emergency Shower and Eyewash
Owners	Microsoft Global Occupational Health and Safety
Revision date	Revision C, March 3, 2023
Effective date	Revision C, March 3, 2023

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