What is an emergency eyewash station?

When working with hazardous substances, accidents can happen in an instant. A splash of a chemical or a speck of debris in the eye can quickly turn into an emergency if not dealt with immediately. This is where an eyewash station comes in.

Designed to deliver a controlled flow of water to the eyes, an eyewash station allows affected workers to flush contaminants away within seconds of exposure, helping to minimise the severity of injury.

Far more than just a convenience, eyewash stations are a vital part of workplace safety compliance. Their presence ensures organisations are prepared to protect employees in the event of an emergency, while also meeting strict international safety standards.

What is an Eyewash Station?

An eyewash station is a piece of emergency equipment designed to flush the eyes with a steady flow of clean water in the event of accidental exposure to hazardous substances. Its purpose is to provide immediate first aid that helps remove chemicals, dust or debris before serious damage can occur.

There are two main types of eyewash stations:

1. Plumbed units: permanently connected to a reliable water supply, these are ideal for facilities with a fixed location where hazardous materials are handled regularly.
2. Self-contained (portable) units: filled with potable water, these are particularly useful in areas where plumbing is not available or where mobility is required.

Both types are designed to meet or exceed international safety standards and ensure workers have rapid access to emergency eye flushing whenever hazards are present.

How Does an Eyewash Station Work?

During an emergency, the user activates the station – often by opening the lid, via a simple push plate or foot pedal – and positions their eyes in the stream of fluid. The station delivers a continuous, gentle aerated flow for at least 15 minutes, giving the eyes the best chance to be thoroughly rinsed of contaminants.

To remain effective, eyewash stations must undergo regular testing and maintenance. Weekly activations help flush out stagnant water and verify that the unit is operational, while annual inspections confirm full compliance with standards. Neglecting these checks can mean equipment is unusable when it is needed most.

Do Eyewash Stations Use Tap Water?

Plumbed-in eyewash stations are typically connected to the mains water supply, provided the water is potable (safe for human use). This ensures a reliable and continuous flow of clean water during an emergency.

For self-contained or portable units, water is stored within the unit itself. To maintain water quality, you can either change the water regularly (typically once a week) or use a suitable preservative to extend the safe storage period. Both approaches help prevent bacterial growth and ensure the water remains safe for flushing the eyes.

In many cases, tempering systems are also used to keep the water within safe tepid range of 16-38°C.

International standards such as ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 set out the requirements for water quality, flow rate and temperature. Following these standards helps ensure eyewash stations provide effective first aid when it is needed most.

How Many Eyewash Stations Do I Need?

The number of eyewash stations needed in a workplace depends on several factors, including:

• The size of the facility
• The number of employees
• The types of hazardous materials present

For example, a small laboratory handling only a few chemicals may require just one eyewash station, while a large manufacturing plant dealing with multiple high-risk areas will likely need several, positioned across different work zones.

Safety standards provide clear guidance on placement, specifying that eyewash stations must be accessible within 10 seconds of a hazard, without obstruction. This means that if hazardous substances are stored or used in multiple locations, each of those areas must have its own readily available eyewash unit.

Ultimately, the exact number must be determined by a risk assessment, ensuring that every potential hazard is supported by quick and easy access to emergency flushing.

When carrying out a risk assessment, consider the following:

• Location of hazardous substances: stations should be placed wherever chemicals, biological agents, or other dangerous materials are used or stored.
• Accessibility: eyewash stations must be easy to reach within 10 seconds, with a clear, unobstructed path.
• Combination needs: in some cases, both an emergency shower and an eyewash unit may be required, particularly if there is a risk of whole-body contamination as well as eye exposure.

By carefully assessing risks and applying these considerations, organisations can ensure they have the right number and type of eyewash stations in place to protect workers and remain compliant with safety standards.

What Temperature Should Eyewash Stations Be?

The effectiveness of an eyewash station depends on the temperature of the flushing fluid. Safety standards specify that eyewash stations must deliver tepid water, defined as between 16-38°C.

This temperature range is critical for two reasons:

1. If the water is too cold, it can cause severe discomfort, leading the injured person to cut the flushing process short. Since eyes must be rinsed for at least 15 minutes to remove contaminants, cold water increases the risk of incomplete decontamination.
2. If the water is too hot, it may cause further irritation or even scalding, compounding the original injury.

By maintaining water within the recommended range, eyewash stations encourage the user to continue flushing for the full duration, giving them the best chance of preventing lasting damage. Many facilities achieve this by installing tempering systems to control water temperature and ensure compliance with international standards. Hughes also supplies trace-tape heated eyewashes for outdoor areas to protect from freezing, or self-contained units with insulated or heated jackets.

At Hughes Safety Showers, all our products are designed to meet or exceed the latest ANSI and EN standards. We also provide expert guidance to help businesses select, install and maintain the right solutions for their specific risks. To learn more about protecting your workforce, get in touch with our team today.