The voluntary consensus standard, ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009, American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment is currently under revision and is expected to be published as a revised document in 2014. 

This globally-accepted standard is the authoritative document that specifies minimum equipment performance criteria for flow rates, temperature delivery and drenching patterns—all characteristics that are important for a user to receive adequate rinsing of a contaminant from the eyes, face and body in an emergency situation. 

Required maintenance directives are included for the installer to ensure that the equipment is maintained in proper working condition.  The standard is often used by OSHA inspectors to ensure employers are in compliance with medical and first aid regulations (29 CFR Part 1910.151c). 

Equipment covered by the ISEA Z358.1 standard is found in manufacturing and processing facilities, construction sites, laboratories, medical and healthcare offices, refineries and other workplaces.

As part of the development process, standards prepared by ISEA product groups become American National Standards through a consensus process that involves reviewers outside the association.  These reviewers submit comments and vote on the approval of the standard.  They serve as the final authority in determining whether a standard is submitted to ANSI for acceptance as an American National Standard.

 Consensus review of the proposed update is expected to begin in late May 2014.