Eyewash stations are critical safety devices designed to provide immediate emergency decontamination when workers or laboratory personnel experience chemical splashes or other hazardous exposures to the eyes or face. This guide provides a detailed overview of the different types of eyewash stations, their primary uses, construction materials, selection criteria, and important precautions for optimal safety performance.
Types of Eyewash Stations
Eyewash stations come in several configurations, each designed for specific environments and use cases:
- Plumbed Eyewash Stations:
- Permanent installations connected to a continuous potable water supply
- Provide unlimited flushing duration (dependent on water supply capacity)
- Require plumbing infrastructure and are typically wall-mounted or floor-standing units
- Often include both eyewash and drench shower combinations for full-body decontamination
- Portable Eyewash Stations:
- Self-contained units with their own water supply (typically 15-80 liter tanks)
- Ideal for temporary work sites, remote locations, or areas without plumbing access
- Must be checked regularly to ensure water supply and proper temperature maintenance
- Some models include pressurized systems for better flow
- Combination Eyewash/Drench Shower Units:
- Integrated systems that can deliver high-volume water flow for both eye and body decontamination
- Required for facilities handling highly hazardous or penetrating corrosives
- Must provide a minimum of 1500 liters of tepid water for adequate operation
- Personal Eyewash Bottles:
- Small, portable squeeze bottles for immediate first aid
- Used as supplemental protection until reaching a primary eyewash station
- Not a substitute for plumbed or portable stations but useful for remote work areas
- Wall-Mounted vs. Pedestal-Mounted Units:
- Wall-mounted units save floor space in crowded laboratories
- Pedestal-mounted units offer more flexibility in placement but require more space
Primary Uses and Applications
Eyewash stations serve vital roles in various industrial, laboratory, and healthcare settings:
- Chemical Splash Emergencies: Rapid dilution and removal of hazardous chemicals from eyes and face, including acids, bases, solvents, and other corrosive substances 1
- Industrial Accidents: Protection for workers in manufacturing, construction, and processing facilities where chemical exposures may occur
- Laboratory Safety: Essential equipment in research labs working with hazardous materials, required by safety regulations
- Construction Sites: Temporary installations to protect workers from cement, paints, solvents, and other jobsite hazards
- Healthcare Facilities: Protection for staff working with disinfectants, sterilants, and pharmaceutical compounds
- Educational Institutions: Required in school and university laboratories where students handle chemicals
The Australian Standard AS 4775 and ANSI Z358.1-2004 outline that eyewash stations must be used whenever workers may be exposed to materials that could cause injury, impairment, or illness through eye or skin contact .
Main Materials and Construction
The materials used in eyewash station construction must withstand corrosive environments while maintaining water quality:
- Stainless Steel:
- Most common material for durable, permanent installations
- Resistant to corrosion from most chemicals
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Typically used for bowls, piping, and support structures
- ABS Plastic:
- Lightweight alternative for portable units
- Resistant to many chemicals
- Less expensive than stainless steel but less durable
- Common in personal eyewash bottles and some portable units
- Polypropylene:
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Used in components that contact water
- Common in portable unit reservoirs
- Brass and Chrome-Plated Components:
- Used in valves and activation mechanisms
- Provides smooth operation and corrosion resistance
- Must meet drinking water standards for plumbed units
- Non-Slip Surfaces:
- Critical around floor-mounted units
- Typically made of textured stainless steel or special coatings
- Prevents slips during emergency use
The materials must not leach contaminants into the flushing fluid, which must remain suitable for human consumption according to standards like AS 4775 clause 4.4 .
How to Choose an Eyewash Station
Selecting the appropriate eyewash station requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Risk Assessment:
- Identify the types and concentrations of chemicals used
- Determine required flush duration (15 minutes minimum for most chemicals, up to 60 minutes for penetrating corrosives)
- Evaluate potential exposure scenarios (splash risk, full-body exposure potential)
- Location and Installation Requirements:
- Units must be accessible within 10 seconds (approximately 55 feet) from hazard areas
- Path must be free of obstructions (no doors, stairs, or obstacles)
- Must be in well-lit areas with highly visible signage
- Water Supply Considerations:
- Plumbed units require potable water connection with proper pressure
- Portable units must have sufficient volume (minimum 15 gallons/57 liters for ANSI compliance)
- Water temperature must be maintained between 15.6°C to 37.8°C (60°F to 100°F)
- Flow Rate and Performance:
- Eyewash must deliver 1.5 liters per minute (0.4 GPM) for 15 minutes minimum
- Drench showers must deliver 75.7 liters per minute (20 GPM) for 15 minutes
- Combination units must meet both requirements simultaneously
- Environmental Conditions:
- Outdoor installations require freeze protection and weather-resistant materials
- High-dust areas need covers or protective mechanisms
- Hazardous locations may require explosion-proof models
- Maintenance Requirements:
- Plumbed units need weekly activation to prevent bacterial growth
- Portable units require regular water changes and disinfection
- All units need annual professional inspection
- User Population:
- Consider workers with disabilities or limited mobility
- Ensure activation controls are accessible
- Provide clear multilingual signage if needed
Precautions and Maintenance Requirements
Proper use and maintenance of eyewash stations are critical for ensuring functionality during emergencies:
- Temperature Control:
- Water temperature must be maintained in the tepid range (15.6°C-37.8°C)
- Cold water can cause hypothermia and reduce flushing effectiveness
- Hot water can increase chemical absorption and scald users
- Bacterial Contamination Prevention:
- Stagnant water promotes growth of pathogens like Legionella, Enterobacter, and Mycobacterium
- Biofilm formation in pipes can harbor dangerous bacteria
- Weekly flushing of plumbed units is essential to maintain water quality
- Regular Testing and Inspection:
- Activate units weekly to verify proper operation and flow
- Check for proper drainage and clear spray patterns
- Inspect for leaks, corrosion, or damaged components
- Water Quality Maintenance:
- Use only potable water sources meeting drinking standards
- For portable units, replace water according to manufacturer recommendations
- Consider antimicrobial treatments where appropriate
- Training and Awareness:
- All at-risk personnel must know eyewash locations and operation
- Conduct regular drills on proper use technique
- Post clear instructions near each station
- First Aid Integration:
- Eyewash is only the first step in chemical exposure response
- Always seek medical attention after use, even if symptoms seem minor
- Remove contaminated clothing immediately during full-body exposures
- Recordkeeping:
- Document all inspections, tests, and maintenance activities
- Keep records of any incidents and eyewash usage
- Track water quality test results for plumbed systems
Studies have shown that poorly maintained eyewash stations can develop dangerously high bacterial levels, with some emergency stations showing 500 CFUs/1000mL after just 9-13 days of stagnation . Regular maintenance is essential not just for mechanical operation but also for preventing secondary infections during use.
Special Considerations
Certain environments require additional precautions for eyewash station effectiveness:
Construction Sites:
- Portable units often most practical
- Must be protected from damage and freezing
- Location should move with work progress
Laboratories:
- Install near chemical handling areas
- Consider combination units for full-body protection
- Ensure clear access despite equipment
Healthcare Facilities:
- Strict infection control requirements
- More frequent water changes may be needed
- Consider sterile saline options for sensitive areas
Extreme Environments:
- Freeze-protected models for cold areas
- Shaded units in hot climates to prevent overheating
- Corrosion-resistant materials in coastal areas
By understanding the types, materials, selection criteria, and maintenance requirements of eyewash stations, safety professionals can ensure these critical devices perform as needed during chemical exposure emergencies. Proper selection and care of eyewash stations not only meets regulatory requirements but more importantly protects worker health and safety in hazardous environments.
