Portable vs Plumbed Eyewash Stations: Which Is Best for Your Facility?

Emergency eyewash stations are safety equipment designed to flush the eyes with clean water or a specialized solution when workers are exposed to hazardous substances like chemicals, debris, or fumes. These stations must provide immediate access to eye rinsing to reduce the risk of long-term damage or vision loss.

I remember a colleague of mine working in a manufacturing facility once documented an incident where a chemical line failure exposed two workers to hazardous material at the same time. A portable eye wash station was nearby, but it was designed for single-person use. While one worker was able to start flushing immediately, the second was forced to wait, delaying critical first aid and increasing the risk of more severe injury. 

Situations like this underscore why it’s not just about having an eyewash station on site, but about understanding how plumbed and portable eyewash systems function, their limitations, and whether your facility may actually need both to properly protect workers.

Key Takeaways

• Plumbed eyewash stations are fixed installations that deliver continuous clean water and meet ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 flow rate and water temperature standards.

• Portable eye wash stations offer flexibility for changing or remote environments and are essential when plumbing isn't feasible.

• Correct station choice depends on hazard type, worksite conditions, worker movement, and access to clean water.

• Emergency eyewash stations must be reachable within 10 seconds of a hazard zone and flush for a full 15 minutes.

• A hazard zone map is a smart way to plan where to place stations for maximum coverage and fast response.

What Is a Plumbed Eyewash Station?

A plumbed eyewash station is a permanently installed safety equipment directly connected to a potable water source, providing a continuous and dependable flow of water for rinsing contaminants from the eyes and face in emergencies. Plumbed eyewash stations are ideal for permanent locations with consistent exposure to hazardous materials, such as in:

• • Academic and medical laboratories, such as university chemistry labs, hospital sterilization units, and pathology departments

  • Industrial and chemical facilities, including battery manufacturing, metal plating, chemical processing, and petroleum refining

  • Agricultural and petrochemical sites, like fertilizer production plants and resin manufacturing units

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that more than 18,000 eye injuries on the job led to time off work in 2020. Of those cases, 11,980 were caused by contact with objects or equipment. Notably, 59.6% involved workers rubbing their eyes or being abraded by foreign particles. These injuries could often be reduced or prevented with immediate access to proper emergency eyewash.

There are several types of plumbed eyewash stations, including wall-mounted units, combination units with emergency showers for full-body exposure, floor-mounted units, and sink-integrated models often used in laboratories. 

To meet ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 standards, the unit must deliver a minimum flow rate of 0.4 gallons per minute for at least 15 minutes using dual spray heads that gently flush both eyes. Stations must activate in one second or less, operate hands-free once started, and be placed within a 10-second travel distance from any potential hazard.

What Is a Portable Eyewash Station?

Under the standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers provide suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body when employees are exposed to harmful chemicals.

But what happens when the worksite is remote and lacks plumbing or access to potable water? In these cases, portable eyewash stations offer a practical solution. These self-contained units store clean water or flushing solution and can be installed where permanent plumbing isn’t available or where hazardous exposure is intermittent.

One cooling company faced this issue firsthand. Employees working near an engine room containing corrosive anhydrous ammonia had no access to a functioning emergency shower or eyewash station. The company was cited for safety violations and fined $6,000, with the penalty subject to increase. Strategically placed portable units could have mitigated the risk and helped the company avoid the citation altogether.

There are several types of portable eyewash stations, each suited to different worksite conditions:

• • Gravity-Fed Tanks: Rely on elevated reservoirs to deliver flow by gravity and are often used in remote or temporary settings.

  • Self-Contained Pressurized Systems: Compact, maintenance-friendly option for mobile crews or job sites with space constraints.

  • Personal Eyewash Bottles: Typically used as supplemental protection, not a substitute for primary eyewash equipment.

These portable eyewash units also need to follow ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 guidelines, which require a full 15-minute flushing duration and proper water temperature. Portable models often include built-in heating systems or insulated designs to help maintain water temperature.

💡 Expert Tips

To ensure portable eyewash stations remain effective, employers must perform regular maintenance and inspections. This includes checking the water level, cleanliness, and expiration of any preservative solution weekly to ensure the unit is always ready for use. Additionally, employers should keep spare units or refill supplies nearby, especially in remote areas. This ensures that, if one unit is used or runs out during an emergency, another is immediately available to provide continuous flushing.

Plumbed vs Portable Emergency Eyewash Stations

When comparing plumbed eyewash stations to portable eye wash stations, the most important factor is the specific conditions at the site. Both types of eye wash stations serve their purpose effectively if used in the settings most suitable for their setup. The table below summarizes the advantages of plumbed and portable eyewash stations to help you make an informed choice.

How to Choose the Right Emergency Eyewash Station for Specific Needs

Choosing the right emergency eyewash station for your facility requires a detailed understanding of the hazards in your facility, the limitations of your physical space, and how your team moves through their work environment. Making the right choice begins with a structured approach to assessment and planning:

1. Assess Workplace Hazards and Risks

Start by identifying hazards in your workplace, including the types of chemicals and substances used within the facility that can potentially cause skin and eye injuries. Consider the frequency of these materials' usage and the likelihood of accidental exposure. For example, workplaces dealing with corrosive acids need dependable eye wash stations and safety showers that can deliver immediate and sustained flushing, unlike areas where there's only occasional dust exposure.

2. Examine Facility

Next, consider the physical layout of your facility. Determine whether plumbing is available near hazard zones. If not, a portable eye wash station may be the more realistic option. Moreover, for facilities with limited space or intermittent hazards, a portable eyewash station offers the flexibility needed to ensure safety is always within reach.

Environmental conditions are equally important. Temperature fluctuations, particularly in unheated or outdoor spaces, can affect the usability of both plumbed eyewash and portable eye wash stations. ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 requires that flushing fluid be kept within a tepid range of 60°F to 100°F.

Water that is too cold can cause thermal shock, and overly warm water may discourage full 15-minute flushing; both outcomes can increase the risk of lasting eye damage. Heated or insulated units may be necessary in climates with extreme temperatures.

3. Analyze Workforce Patterns

A few years ago, I worked at a manufacturing facility where the maintenance team operated across several buildings, often near chemical storage areas that didn’t have dedicated eyewash stations. While the main production zones had proper eyewash units, secondary but still hazardous locations were overlooked.

A risk review highlighted this gap, and we placed portable eyewash stations in those areas. Not long after, a technician accidentally splashed himself with a mild chemical while cleaning a valve, and was able to use a nearby portable eyewash immediately.

That experience made one thing clear: your eyewash strategy should reflect how your teams actually move and work. If workers stay at fixed stations where exposure is predictable, a plumbed eyewash station is often the best solution. However, for mobile crews or teams rotating between multiple areas, portable units offer the flexibility needed to keep emergency eyewash within the required 10-second reach.

Implementation Case Study: Manufacturing Facility Zones

As part of the risk review process, we mapped hazard zones across various work areas to determine the most appropriate eyewash solution for each location. The table below shows the actual implementation decisions based on that systematic assessment:

Plumbed and Portable Eyewash Stations’ Common Installation Mistakes

Even when the right type of emergency eyewash station is selected, improper installation can limit its effectiveness or render it noncompliant with OSHA safety standards. Below are some of the most common mistakes seen in real-world facilities:

Installing Stations Too Far (or Too Close) to Hazard Zones

ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 requires that emergency eyewash stations be reachable within 10 seconds of any potential eye hazard, typically interpreted as within 55 feet. Stations placed too far can delay treatment and increase the chance of long-term injury. 

On the flip side, installing them too close to hazards, such as chemical processing lines or industrial heating equipment, can also pose problems. In these cases, ambient heat may raise the water temperature above the tepid range, making flushing unsafe or uncomfortable and discouraging full 15-minute use. Always balance accessibility with environmental safety to ensure effective performance.

Incorrect Mounting Height

Eyewash heads must be positioned 33 to 53 inches from the floor, and at least 6 inches from any wall or obstruction to allow proper use. Units mounted too low or too high may not align with the user’s face, especially in a panic situation. This applies equally to both plumbed eyewash units and portable systems.

Inadequate Lighting

An eyewash station that can’t be seen easily is effectively useless in an emergency. Poorly lit areas make it harder for employees to locate and activate the station quickly. Every unit should be installed in a well-lit area, and backup lighting or glow-in-the-dark signage is recommended for locations that may be dark during power loss or emergencies.

Poor Signage and Visibility

ANSI requires highly visible identification signage for all eyewash stations. Eyewash signs should be clear, recognizable, and unobstructed. In busy or cluttered areas, signs are often blocked or absent altogether, delaying response time during an emergency.

Lack of Accessibility for All Workers

Emergency eyewash units must be accessible to every employee, including those with mobility impairments. Installing units behind doors, up steps, or in narrow corners can restrict access. Facilities should take into account wheelchair users and employees who may need assistance, ensuring clear, level access paths and unobstructed space around the station.

Emergency Eyewash Stations FAQs

Do eyewash stations need to be plumbed?

Not necessarily. While plumbed eyewash stations are standard in fixed locations with consistent exposure risks, portable eye wash stations are acceptable alternatives when plumbing isn't available, as long as they meet ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 requirements.

Are plumbed eyewash stations portable?

No, plumbed eyewash stations are permanently connected to a building’s water supply and are not designed to be portable. For mobile or temporary needs, portable eyewash stations should be used instead.

What are the rules for a portable eyewash station?

Portable eyewash units must provide a continuous flow of clean water or solution for 15 minutes at a tepid temperature (60°F to 100°F), be hands-free once activated, and be accessible within 10 seconds of a hazard. They also require regular inspection and maintenance, including flushing and refilling on schedule.

Do personal eyewash bottles or single-head stations meet OSHA requirements?

No, personal eyewash bottles and single-head units do not meet the full OSHA and ANSI requirements for primary eyewash equipment. They are considered supplementary and may be used only for immediate flushing until a compliant station is reached.

How do you refill a portable eyewash station?

To refill a gravity-fed portable eyewash station, drain any remaining solution, clean the tank, and refill it with fresh, clean water mixed with a manufacturer-approved preservative if applicable. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and labeling to ensure the solution remains safe and effective.