Collection: Eyewash Stations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has made it clear that eyewash stations should be checked at least twice per shift or use.

OSHA has also determined that eyewash stations should be checked for possible damage or other issues at least once a year. Another recommendation is that eyewash stations should be inspected during the first week of every month. If something major needs to be fixed, it is best to do it as soon as possible to minimize any hazards.

Eyewash stations are one of the most important safety features in a facility because they're used to flush out harmful substances from the eyes.

According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c), the primary function of an eyewash station is to provide emergency relief for an individual who is experiencing irritation, inflammation, or other kinds of discomfort due to exposure to harmful substances. OSHA requires that there must be an eyewash station no more than 25 feet away from work areas.

Eyewash stations are typically found in many workplaces where there is a risk of injury to the eyes, such as laboratories or factories. Sometimes, eyewash stations can be found in other places due to the potential for eye injuries, such as at construction sites.

Additionally, eyewash stations need to be strategically placed so that if a person accidentally comes into contact with a hazardous substance, they can wash it from their eyes. This can prevent or minimize eye damage.

In order to comply with OSHA's safety standards, most facilities will have eyewash stations placed in the following areas:

Workplace entrances and exits
Workplace toilets
Areas where hazardous chemicals are used

This will entirely depend on the size of the workplace and the number of personnel working in the targeted areas. Ideally, an authorized person will inspect the facility to determine how many eyewash stations are necessary. Workplaces where workers handle hazardous chemicals are required to have an eyewash and a body drenching equipment no more than 100 feet from the work station/s. In case of emergencies, employees should be able to reach and use the eyewash and body drenching equipment within 10 seconds.

In any environment where the employee’s eyes are compromised, an eyewash station is required. Some of the most common workplaces are:

Factories
Warehouses
Waste Management Facilities
Laboratories

The physical layout of the workplace must be considered in locating the eyewash station. Accessibility is very important for devices used to address workplace emergencies.

TRADESAFE offers three types of eyewash stations: pedestal, portable, and wall mount eyewash stations. Pedestal eyewash station is a free standing device mounted to the floor. Wall mount eyewash station, as the name suggests, is mounted to the wall and ideal for workplaces with tight conditions. A portable eyewash station offers the most convenience when it comes to movability because it can be easily moved around where it is needed, however, it needs to be constantly checked if there is enough flushing liquid to use in case of emergencies.

The main inspections to be made to an eyewash station are:

Check for running water
Check the flow of the water
Check the balance of left and right eye wash nozzles
Check the temperature of the water