Emergency Eye Wash Location & Placement

The emergency eyewash and shower unit must be placed in a location no more than a maximum of 10 seconds travel time for an injured person through an unobstructed pathway. All safety equipment should be located in a low hazard area of the workplace, typically near the exit away from higher hazard activities.

Specific placement requirements are listed below:

1. Eyewash and eye/face wash units: Nozzles must be positioned between 33-45 inches from the floor. A minimum distance of 6 inches from the nearest obstruction is required.
2. Drench hose units: The head of the hose must be placed 33-45 inches from the floor with a clearance of 6 inches from the wall. Dual purpose bench mounted eyewash/drench hose units should be positioned toward the front of the bench so that the user can bend over and place their eyes in the water stream in a hands-free fashion without straining to reach the back of the bench.
3. Emergency Showers: The distance of showerhead to the floor must be between 82-96 inches. Activator handle height must be no higher than 69 inches from the floor. Also showers must have a clearance from obstructions 16 inches from the center of the water column.
4. Combination Units or Safety Stations: Refer to the dimensions above for distance and clearance of the eye/face wash and shower units.

Eye wash and shower units must be completely free from obstructions or other potential
hazards such as chemical bottles that could be tipped over while locating the eyewash with
impaired vision.

Do not place or store any items under or near eyewash and shower stations. No electrical devices may be placed or stored near emergency eye wash and shower locations.