Eyewash stations are a critical first aid measure in workplaces—learn when, why, and how workers should use them to protect their vision in an emergency.
An eyewash station is an easily accessible unit close to the work area that allows an individual to continuously flush their eyes to remove contaminants.
A safety shower, using larger volumes of water than an eyewash station, is designed to wash an individual’s head and body if they have come in contact with hazardous materials. Due to high water pressure, a safety shower should not be used for flushing out eyes.
Eyewash stations and safety showers are not a substitute for proper protective equipment but serve as critical first aid in an emergency.
OSHA Standards 1910.151(c) and 1926.50(g) Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.
ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 is the most comprehensive guide to emergency eyewash stations and showers. This guide establishes minimum performance, use, installation, test procedures, maintenance, and training guidelines for eyewash and shower equipment.
Situations that may require use of an eyewash station:
- Exposure to chemical splashes
- Contact with airborne irritants like dust or fumes
- Accidental spray from cleaning solutions or disinfectants
- Contamination from biological agents like bloodborne pathogens
- Exposure to corrosive gases or vapors
- Touching the eyes with contaminated hands or gloves
- Airborne particulate eye irritation from sawdust, fiberglass, or metal shavings
- Malfunction of personal protective eyewear
- Eye irritation from adhesives, paints, or solvents
Workers should act fast, even if symptoms are mild, because some hazardous substances can cause delayed damage. Flushing the eyes immediately can minimize the severity of the injury. Flush both eyes, even if it seems like only one was contaminated. Do not delay rinsing the eyes while waiting for medical help.
Proper use of an eyewash station is essential for effective eye decontamination. If you believe you may have gotten contaminants in one or both eyes, follow these steps:
- Immediately (within seconds!) make your way to the eyewash station.
- Activate the station by pushing the lever or foot pedal.
- Hold both eyelids open with your fingers.
- Position your open eyes in the stream of water and allow water to continuously flow over them.
- If you are wearing contacts, gently remove them if you can.
- Flush both eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Roll your eyes left to right and up and down to be sure the fluid is flushing all areas of your eyes.
- Do not rub your eyes or attempt to remove anything embedded in your eyes.
- Seek medical attention after using an eyewash station.
Eyewash stations must be operational, clean, and well-maintained. They should have signage that is clearly marked and highly visible, and be located in a well-lit area.
There should be unobstructed access to the eyewash station, and it should be located on the same floor and within 10 seconds of work areas.
With clean water or fluid that is safe for flushing the eyes, the temperature of the water used in eyewash stations should be lukewarm or tepid (60-100°F) to prevent thermal shock to the eyes.
Eyewash stations should provide continuous flushing with easy-to-use, hands-free operation and the ability to maintain a minimum of 15 minutes of flushing to both eyes at the same time.
Proper drainage to prevent standing water and contamination is essential, and eyewash stations should have protection from freezing in cold weather.
Inspections are critical to ensure eyewash stations are ready to go when they are needed in an emergency. Weekly or regular activation to flush out stagnant water and confirm functionality is important and there should be an annual inspection to ensure safety and compliance.
Workers should familiarize themselves with eyewash station locations and operation before an emergency occurs. An injured worker is an impaired worker. The path to the eyewash station must be clear of all obstacles, at all times.
You never know when an emergency is going to happen. Quick action can prevent serious injury.
Every worker plays a role in eyewash station safety. Employees must know the location of the nearest eyewash station in their work area. Keep the path to the eyewash station clear of obstructions like boxes, ladders, and materials.
It’s important that everyone on the jobsite understand how to use the eyewash station safely and follow the training guidelines. Workers should report eyewash station hazards or malfunctions to supervisors immediately.
If there is an emergency, others in the area may help navigate a co-worker to the eyewash station, especially if they have limited vision or seem panicked.
In an effort to reduce eye injuries, all employees should be wearing appropriate eye and face protection to reduce risk of exposure.
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