OSHA requires emergency drenching equipment wherever workers handle corrosive or injurious chemicals (29 CFR 1910.151). Safety showers and eyewash stations are not optional lab accessories — they are life-safety equipment that must meet ANSI Z358.1 standards and be reachable within 10 seconds of any hazard area.

Equipment Types

Combination Shower/Eyewash

The most common lab configuration: a full-body drench shower with an integrated eyewash bowl mounted below. Meets both ANSI requirements in one unit. Plumbed to building supply for unlimited tepid water delivery. Floor-mounted with pull rod activation (shower) and push-paddle activation (eyewash). Required in most chemistry, biology, and chemical engineering labs.

Eyewash Stations (Stand-Alone)

Pedestal-mounted or wall-mounted units dedicated to eye and face flushing. Dual spray heads deliver 0.4 GPM minimum for 15 continuous minutes. Options include standard bowl-type, recessed wall units, and deck-mounted faucet eyewash for lab sinks. Ideal for labs with limited ceiling height or where full body showers are located separately.

Drench Showers (Full Body)

Ceiling-mounted or free-standing overhead showers delivering 20 GPM minimum for 15 continuous minutes. Activated by pull rod or push plate. Floor drains required. Used in industrial labs, pilot plants, and chemical processing areas where full-body chemical contact is possible.

Self-Contained / Portable Units

Gravity-fed eyewash stations and pressurized portable showers for remote lab locations without plumbing access. FDA-approved saline or preserved water cartridges with 15-minute capacity. Essential for field labs, temporary facilities, and retrofit installations.

Drench Hoses

Flexible hose units mounted to lab benches or walls for targeted flushing of eyes, face, and body areas. 8 ft or 12 ft hose with spray head. Often installed as a supplement to primary eyewash stations — not a replacement under ANSI Z358.1.

ANSI Z358.1 Key Requirements

  • Location — Within 10 seconds of travel (approximately 55 ft on the same level, unobstructed)
  • Water temperature — Tepid water: 60°F–100°F (16°C–38°C)
  • Flow duration — 15 minutes continuous for eyewash; 15 minutes for drench shower
  • Activation — Single motion, hands-free operation; stays on without user holding
  • Inspection — Weekly activation test; annual comprehensive inspection
  • Signage — Highly visible identification signs; area must be well-lit and free of obstructions

Installation Considerations

  • Tepid water mixing valves (thermostatic or tempering) to maintain 60°F–100°F range
  • Floor drains or containment for shower runoff (code-required in most jurisdictions)
  • Backflow prevention devices on potable water connections
  • ADA accessibility for wheelchair users (lowered eyewash, accessible pull rods)
  • Freeze protection for units in unheated spaces or outdoor installations

Related Lab Safety Equipment

Eyewash and Safety Shower Placement Guide

Choosing a unit is only one part of the job. Read our lab eyewash station placement guide to map hazard zones, response paths, signs, and the clear access area before finalizing a layout.

Need help selecting lab safety equipment? Call (800) 952-6966 or request a quote.