An eyewash station delivers a steady stream of water or saline solution directly to the ocular surface. It is installed in laboratories and industrial settings where hazardous materials are handled. The primary function is to immediately flush away contaminants, as rapid absorption or penetration can cause permanent damage within seconds. Immediate action significantly reduces the severity of potential injury to the delicate eye structure.
Identifying When Use is Required
The need for an eyewash station arises from any direct contact between the eyes and a hazardous substance. This commonly includes splashes from liquid chemicals, such as corrosive acids, alkaline bases, or organic solvents, which rapidly damage sensitive eye tissues. Immediate flushing is also required for exposure to fine, airborne particulates, including dust, metal shavings, or glass fragments. Additionally, any thermal burn or severe irritation caused by concentrated chemical fumes necessitates using the station to cool and rinse the ocular surface.
Immediate Steps: Locating and Activating the Equipment
Following an exposure, the time taken to reach the eyewash station is a major factor in determining the injury’s outcome. Safety standards require the station to be accessible within a 10-second walk from any potential hazard, marked by high-visibility signage. The injured person must proceed directly to the station without delay, avoiding attempts to remove contaminated clothing or protective equipment first. Reaching the flushing fluid quickly is often the difference between a temporary and a permanent injury.
Upon arrival, the station must be activated instantly to begin the flow of flushing fluid. Activation mechanisms are designed for rapid, single-motion use, such as pulling a lever, pushing a paddle, or stepping on a foot pedal. This action should result in a continuous, gentle stream of water that flows for the entire duration of the procedure. The water must be tempered, ideally maintained between 60 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent thermal shock and encourage the full duration of rinsing.
The Essential Rinsing Procedure
Once the water is flowing, the injured person must position their face over the bowls and force their eyes open directly into the mild stream. Although the initial sensation may be painful, it is paramount to use the fingers to physically hold both the upper and lower eyelids apart. This action ensures the flushing fluid reaches the entire surface of the eye, including the space under the lids where contaminants may be trapped. The continuous flow helps rapidly dilute the chemical concentration and wash away any solid particles.
The minimum required flushing duration is fifteen minutes, regardless of whether the irritation seems to subside earlier. This extended time is necessary to completely dilute and remove the contaminant from the corneal and conjunctival tissues, especially with corrosive substances. Stopping the rinse prematurely can leave residual chemicals that continue to cause tissue damage.
Throughout the rinsing period, the eyes must be continuously moved in all directions—up, down, left, and right—to ensure the flushing fluid contacts all areas of the surface. This constant motion helps dislodge any particles or residual chemicals adhering to the conjunctiva or sclera. If contact lenses are worn, they should be removed immediately during the initial phase of the rinse. Removing the lenses is easiest while under the stream of water, as the flushing action can assist in dislodging them.
Post-Emergency Protocol
After the required fifteen minutes of continuous flushing, the injured person must seek immediate professional medical evaluation. This is necessary even if the eye feels recovered and symptoms have vanished. Some chemical injuries, particularly those involving alkaline substances, can progress silently for hours after the initial exposure without noticeable pain.
Transportation to a medical facility should be arranged without delay, ideally with assistance from a colleague, to prevent further strain or injury. It is also necessary to notify a supervisor or safety officer immediately to initiate the mandatory internal reporting process. If the chemical involved is known, the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must accompany the injured person. The SDS provides specific information on the chemical’s composition and necessary medical treatments, which is invaluable for effective care.