In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about keeping non-ANSI-approved eyewash stations.
Q: Is it better to have an eyewash station that doesn’t comply with ANSI standards or to remove it and contradict the Joint Commission’s safety regulation?
A: It is not a violation of a Joint Commission standard to have an eyewash station that does not meet the requirements ANSI guidelines in areas where there are no caustic or hazardous chemicals. However, if there is a need for an eyewash station due to caustic or hazardous chemicals being used, then OSHA has issued interpretive letters that state that its inspectors will use the ANSI Z358.1-2009 standard to determine compliance.
Avoiding Mistakes in Healthcare Site Selection
Can Rural Hospitals Be Saved?
Ascension Saint Thomas Breaks Ground on Hospital and Health Campus in Tennessee
The Hidden Risks of QAC Disinfectants in Healthcare Facilities
Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety