Industrial Safety Essential Guide to Emergency Eyewash Stations

In laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and other industrial settings, accidents involving chemical splashes to the eyes can occur unexpectedly. In such emergencies, every second counts, and a properly functioning eyewash station can be the difference between temporary discomfort and permanent vision loss. Eyewash stations are essential safety devices designed to provide immediate first aid in the event of eye exposure to hazardous substances. This article explores the key considerations for selecting, installing, and maintaining these vital safety systems.

A plumbed eyewash station is an emergency device that delivers a gentle stream of water to flush the eyes when they come into contact with harmful substances or materials that could cause eye damage. These units are permanently installed near hazardous areas and connected to a potable water supply, such as a building's plumbing system.

Plumbed eyewash stations are designed to provide a continuous flow of clean water to rinse away any hazardous substances that may have contacted the eyes. The devices can be activated by manual or foot-operated valves, directing water through one or more nozzles or spray heads. Crucially, the water must be delivered at a safe flow rate and pressure for at least 15 minutes to ensure thorough decontamination and prevent further damage to the eyes.

While both eyewash stations and eye/face wash stations are emergency devices designed to assist individuals exposed to hazardous materials, they differ in their intended use and scope. Eyewash stations are designed solely to flush the eyes with a gentle water stream to remove contaminants. Eye/face wash stations, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive solution by rinsing the entire face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.

The ANSI Z358.1-2014(R2020) standard distinguishes between these two types, while the European standard EN 15154-2 does not. However, eye/face wash stations are generally recommended due to their higher flow rate capacity, as facial exposure cannot be ruled out in many accident scenarios.

To ensure workplace safety, emergency eyewash stations must be installed in areas where hazardous materials, chemicals, or other dangerous substances are present. Determining whether a plumbed eyewash station or other safety system is appropriate depends on the nature of the hazards present. Conducting a thorough site risk assessment and consulting safety data sheets, safety procedures, and relevant standards is essential for making this determination.

Eyewash stations should be strategically located in areas where there is a risk of eye exposure to hazardous substances. This requires a comprehensive hazard assessment to determine appropriate placement within the workplace. Factors to consider include facility layout, types of hazardous materials used or stored, and the number of workers who might need access to the station.

As a general rule, emergency eyewash stations should be placed in easily accessible areas near hazardous zones or where dangerous materials are handled or stored. They should be located on level surfaces with clear, unobstructed paths of access. Stations must be clearly visible and easily identifiable, with highly visible signage to ensure they can be quickly located in an emergency.

Plumbed eyewash stations come in various designs, each tailored to specific needs. Laboratory units are typically installed at sinks or benches in lab environments. Wall-mounted stations offer versatility for various industries. Free-standing units are well-suited for workshops and production facilities. Additionally, there are accessible, ADA-compliant and recessed wall-mounted eyewash stations available for specialized environments.

The European standard EN 15154-2 provides guidelines for the design, installation, performance, and testing of plumbed eyewash stations. The internationally recognized ANSI Z358.1-2014(R2020) standard defines performance and installation requirements for eyewash and eye/face wash equipment. Some countries may have additional national standards that must also be considered. Compliance with these standards is crucial for ensuring that eyewash stations can provide proper first aid and maintain good working condition.

Eyewash standards require a minimum flow rate of 6 liters per minute according to EN 15154-2. The ANSI Z358.1-2014(R2020) standard specifies a minimum flow rate of 1.5 liters per minute (0.4 gallons per minute) for eyewash stations and 11.4 liters per minute (3 gallons per minute) for eye/face wash stations. Both standards require a minimum water flow duration of 15 minutes, with water velocity low enough to prevent eye injury.

Most eyewash stations feature a shower head with two outlet nozzles that spray from the outside inward, known as a "bullhorn" system. Some eye/face wash stations may have a bullhorn arrangement with four shower heads aligned horizontally. However, a common issue with bullhorn systems is uneven water jet intensity, which may result in one eye receiving more flushing than the other.

An alternative design is the AXION® head, a patented technology that features a central position and provides uniform flushing to both eyes simultaneously. This system also flushes contaminants from the inside outward, preventing them from entering tear ducts and causing additional harm.

To comply with EN 15154-2 and ANSI Z358.1 standards, eyewash stations must provide sufficient space for accident victims to hold their eyes open with both hands while positioning their eyes in the water stream. EN 15154-2 specifies that outlet nozzles be installed 1000 mm (± 200 mm) above floor level with a minimum distance of 150 mm from walls or nearest obstructions.

The ANSI standard requires flow patterns between 838 mm (33 inches) and 1346 mm (53 inches) from the surface, with a minimum distance of 153 mm (6 inches) from the nearest obstruction or wall. Both standards define requirements for water stream height and pattern.

The sensitivity of the eyes to temperature makes it crucial to ensure that eyewash stations deliver water within a safe range, as water that is too hot or too cold may prevent injured individuals from flushing their eyes for the recommended 15-minute duration.

ANSI Z358.1-2014(R2020) specifies a water temperature range of 16°C to 38°C for eyewash stations, while EN 15154-2 recommends a range of 15°C to 37°C. National standards may include additional requirements regarding water temperature.

Regular inspection and maintenance of emergency eyewash stations is critical. Inspection frequency may vary depending on local regulations and standards. The ANSI Z358.1-2014(R2020) standard requires weekly activation of eyewash and eye/face wash equipment to ensure proper operation, while EN 15154-2 refers to manufacturers' testing and maintenance instructions. Eyewash stations should also be inspected following any significant event, such as power outages, maintenance work, or accidents, to ensure they remain in good working order.

In addition to plumbed eyewash and eye/face wash stations, other response systems are available to provide immediate first aid in the event of eye injuries:

• Portable eyewash stations: These allow for eye flushing for at least 15 minutes and typically consist of a tank containing water or flushing fluid. They are designed for mobile environments or locations without reliable access to clean potable water.
• Personal eyewash bottles: While not intended to replace plumbed eyewash stations, these can be important first aid tools to minimize eye damage during the critical initial moments following an accident before the injured person can reach a plumbed station.
• Combination safety showers: These combine an eyewash station and body safety shower in one unit for situations where both eye and body exposure to hazardous substances is possible.

Plumbed eyewash stations play a vital role in emergency response plans for industrial and laboratory environments, providing immediate first aid when eyes and faces are accidentally exposed to hazardous substances. Compliance with international standards such as EN 15154-2 and ANSI Z358.1-2014(R2020) is essential to ensure proper performance and functionality. Regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of eyewash stations is necessary to guarantee they can provide appropriate first aid in emergencies. Additional safety systems, including portable eyewash stations, personal eyewash bottles, and combination safety showers, offer supplementary emergency response options for various workplace scenarios.