IIAR 2-2021: Eyewash and Safety Showers

It has been a year and half since we last addressed eyewash and safety showers on our blog. With the publication of ANSI/IIAR 2-2021 it is prudent to examine the latest design requirements for these important safety units at ammonia refrigeration facilities.

Summary of requirements in ANSI/IIAR 2-2014

Before looking at the 2021 edition of IIAR Standard 2, it is important to remember that the 2014 edition of Standard 2 required each ammonia refrigeration machinery room to be equipped with one eyewash and safety shower inside the machinery room and one outside the machinery room. Additional units were also required such that the path of travel to a unit not exceed 55 ft from any location within the machinery room. For more information on the requirements contained in ANSI/IIAR 2-2014, refer to the blog we posted in October 2016.

Summary of requirements in ANSI/IIAR 2-2021

Inside Machinery Rooms

• §6.7.1 – At least one eyewash and safety shower must be installed inside a machinery room. Additional units may be required such that the path of travel not exceed 55 ft.
• §6.7.1.2 – The path to the eyewash and safety shower must be unobstructed and not be blocked by doors.
• §6.7.1.3 – Any eyewash and safety shower is not required if all of the following conditions are met:
  • The machinery room area is less than 1,000 ft2.
  • The path of travel from any point in a machinery room to the nearest eyewash and safety shower located outside is less than 55 ft.
  • A temporary or portable means of quick drenching or flushing of the eyes is provided when work will require the deliberate opening of the system.

Outside Machinery Rooms

• §6.7.2 – At least one eyewash and safety shower must be installed outside the machinery room within 55 ft from the machinery room door.

Other than Machinery Rooms

• §7.2.10 – A permanent or portable means of quick drenching or flushing of the eyes must be available in “other than machinery rooms” when work will require the deliberate opening of the system.

Installation Requirements

§6.7.3 – Eyewash and safety shower installation must comply with ANSI/ISEA Z358.1.