OSHA Guidelines Stress Eyewash Station Safety in Workplaces

Eyewash Stations: Essential Safety Equipment

In any workplace where chemicals, corrosive substances, or other potential eye hazards exist, eyewash stations serve as essential safety equipment. These are not simple faucets but carefully designed and strictly regulated systems that provide rapid, effective emergency flushing to mitigate or eliminate potential damage after eye exposure to hazardous materials.

An eyewash station is a specially designed device that provides controlled, copious flushing fluid immediately after eye exposure to hazardous substances. These typically feature two spray heads capable of delivering fluid streams to both eyes simultaneously.

• First line of defense: Eyewash stations serve as the primary emergency response when eyes are exposed to chemicals, particulates, or other irritants.
• Injury mitigation: Prompt eye flushing can dilute or remove hazardous substances, reducing potential damage including chemical burns, irritation, infection, and vision loss.
• Regulatory compliance: Many jurisdictions, including the United States, legally require eyewash stations in workplaces with eye exposure risks.
• Employee protection: Providing eyewash stations demonstrates employer commitment to health and safety, fostering a secure work environment.
• Cost reduction: Timely flushing can decrease the severity of medical interventions, lowering healthcare costs and workers' compensation claims.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's 29 CFR 1910.151(c) mandates "suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body" in workplaces where employees might face exposure to injurious corrosive materials.

This benchmark standard governs eyewash station design, performance, installation, use, and maintenance. While not legislation itself, OSHA typically references it for compliance assessments.

The ANSI/ISEA standard defines several configurations:

• Plumbed stations: Permanently connected to water supply with unlimited flushing capacity
• Self-contained units: Portable systems with finite fluid reserves for remote locations
• Combination units: Integrated eyewash and shower systems for full-body decontamination
• Portable bottles: Personal-use containers for immediate first response
• Face washes: Specialized devices for simultaneous eye and facial flushing

• Flow rate: Minimum 0.4 gallons/minute (1.5 liters/minute) per eye
• Water temperature: Maintained between 60°F-100°F (16°C-38°C)
• Accessibility: Reachable within 10 seconds from hazard zones
• Flushing duration: Minimum 15-minute continuous operation

Choosing appropriate equipment requires evaluating:

• Workplace hazard profile
• Employee headcount
• Facility layout
• Water supply availability
• Budget constraints
• Space limitations
• Maintenance requirements

Proper installation involves:

• Strategic placement within 10-second reach of hazards
• Unobstructed access paths
• Clear visual identification
• Ergonomic spray head positioning
• Proper plumbing connections
• Effective drainage systems
• Temperature control mechanisms

Sustained functionality requires:

• Regular inspections for damage or blockages
• Weekly activation to prevent microbial growth
• Water quality monitoring
• Component replacement per manufacturer schedules
• Thorough cleaning procedures
• Comprehensive recordkeeping

Effective training programs should cover:

• Station locations and access routes
• Proper activation and use techniques
• Minimum 15-minute flushing requirement
• Workplace hazard recognition
• Basic first aid procedures

Both employers and employees share obligations:

• Employers: Must provide compliant equipment, proper training, and regular maintenance
• Employees: Should understand hazards, use protective equipment, and report incidents

Documented incidents demonstrate their critical value:

• A chemical plant worker avoided severe injury through immediate eyewash use after corrosive exposure
• A laboratory researcher mitigated acid splash damage using portable eyewash before medical attention

Eyewash stations represent a fundamental workplace safety component. Through proper selection, installation, maintenance, and training, organizations can significantly enhance employee protection against ocular hazards while meeting regulatory requirements.