An eyewash station serves the immediate purpose of diluting and removing hazardous materials from the eyes. Seconds are of the utmost importance when eyes are exposed to contaminants, as a delay can quickly lead to severe or permanent vision damage. The flushing fluid, typically water, does not neutralize the chemical. Instead, it rapidly washes the substance away and dilutes the concentration of any remaining material on the delicate eye tissues. This immediate action is the first step in minimizing the effects of an accidental chemical exposure.
The Critical Flushing Duration
The established minimum duration for using an eyewash station is a full 15 minutes of continuous flushing. This time standard is widely referenced to ensure adequate dilution and removal of most contaminants from the eye surface. The flushing must be hands-free, meaning the activation mechanism should allow the water to flow continuously.
When initiating the flush, the user must use their fingers to physically hold the eyelids open. It is necessary to continuously roll the eyeballs up, down, and side-to-side. This technique ensures the flushing fluid reaches all parts of the eye and removes any trapped particulates or chemical residue beneath the eyelids.
The 15-minute duration is required because water only dilutes and washes away the hazard, and a significant volume is needed to thoroughly cleanse the tissue. Maintaining a flow rate of at least 0.4 gallons per minute for the entire period is necessary for effective decontamination. The water should ideally be tepid, maintained between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages the injured person to tolerate the full 15 minutes of flushing.
Adjusting the Flushing Time
While 15 minutes is the starting point for most exposures, the required flushing duration can change significantly based on the specific material that entered the eye. Non-irritating particulates, such as dust or simple foreign bodies, may only require a five-minute flush for adequate removal.
If the exposure involves corrosive or caustic materials, the flushing time must be dramatically increased. Non-penetrating corrosives, like most acids, often require a minimum of 20 minutes of continuous flushing. Penetrating corrosives, such as strong alkalis like sodium hydroxide, are particularly dangerous because they penetrate eye tissue more deeply. Exposure to these high-pH substances necessitates an extended flush of 60 minutes or more to prevent catastrophic damage.
The chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should always be consulted, if possible, to confirm the exact nature of the material and the recommended first aid response time. If the identity of the contaminant is unknown, or if irritation persists after the initial 15 minutes, continue flushing until medical personnel can take over. Continuing the flush is always preferable to stopping early if any doubt remains.
Post-Flushing Emergency Procedures
Once the required flushing time has been completed, immediate professional medical attention is mandatory, even if the symptoms seem to have subsided. Decontamination is only the first aid step and does not replace the need for a thorough medical examination. The injured person should be transported to a healthcare facility immediately.
It is advised not to drive oneself due to the high likelihood of impaired vision following a chemical exposure. A colleague or emergency services should provide transportation to the nearest emergency room. During the transfer of care, it is important to provide the medical staff with as much information as possible about the exposure.
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical involved should accompany the injured person to the medical facility. The SDS contains details about the substance’s chemical properties and specific first-aid recommendations. This information is invaluable for guiding the physician’s treatment plan and minimizing long-term effects.