Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the first line of defense to avoid contact with harmful chemicals, particulate and/or flammable materials—but when it fails, emergency eyewash stations are a necessary next line of defense.
Among universities’ many safety protocols, emergency eyewash stations play a crucial role in insuring that proper steps are taken in the event of an accident. Emergency preparedness can minimize the damage caused by exposure to hazardous substances, including permanent eye damage.
Emergency eyewash stations are designed to flush the eyes and face when someone has been exposed to hazardous chemicals, biological agents, or other harmful substances. Eye injuries can be caused by splashes, vapors, dust, or direct contact with chemicals that may cause burns, irritations, or even permanent damage if not addressed immediately. In these instances, eyewash stations provide access to immediate first aid to reduce the severity of an injury.
We’ve outlined the most important guidelines and considerations for emergency eyewash usage in university facilities, including regulatory requirements, eyewash equipment suitable for university settings, and best practices for placement, operation and maintenance.
Complying with Regulatory Requirements
The installation and use of emergency eyewash stations are regulated by a number of standards and guidelines, which outline specific requirements to ensure that eyewash stations are effective and accessible. The primary regulations include:
OSHA Regulations: Under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, employers are required to provide a safe working environment for employees, which includes access to emergency eyewash stations where chemicals or hazardous materials are used. Specifically, OSHA’s standard for laboratory safety (29 CFR 1910.151(c)) mandates that “where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided.”
ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014: ANSI/ISEA Z358.1–2014 American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment sets the specifications for eyewash and shower equipment. It outlines requirements for the performance, installation, and maintenance of eyewash stations, including flow rate, duration of flushing, water temperature, and accessibility.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): NFPA provides additional guidance on safety standards for emergency eyewash stations, particularly within environments where hazardous chemicals are used. NFPA guidelines typically complement OSHA and ANSI standards by adding fire safety elements to the equation.
These regulations ensure that eyewash stations are installed in locations where they are readily accessible to users, properly maintained, and functioning correctly. They also address the specifics of design and location to reduce the risk of injury due to delayed or inadequate exposure.
Eyewash Station Design Options
Emergency eyewashes should be selected based on the type and level of potential exposure to individuals, how many individuals could be affected and where there is access to a plumbed water source. Eyewash stations must be strategically placed within the laboratory, classroom or worksite to ensure they are easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
Emergency eyewash stations:
Effective for spills, splashes, dust or debris likely to affect only the eyes.
Provides a controlled flow of water to both eyes simultaneously.
Delivers an uninterrupted, 15-minute supply of tepid water. Plumbed units can supply a greater volume of water available—between 2.0 and 5.0 gallons (7.5 and 19.0 liters) per minute
Emergency eye/face wash stations:
Used when the entire face is at risk from spills, splashes, dust and debris.
Irrigates the eyes and face simultaneously.
Provides a large distribution pattern of water (minimum 3.0 gpm/11.4 lpm) to effectively rinse the entire face.
Non-plumbed, self-contained eyewash fixtures:
When there is no access to a plumbed water source, self-contained units can be used.
Water tanks deliver a minimum of .4 GPM for minimum of 15 minutes.
Systems can be portable and gravity fed.
New Emergency Eyewash Technology
The newest generation of emergency fixtures are designed to deliver a more uniform and complete spray pattern distribution. Older shower designs push the flow of water to the outer rim of the showerhead, creating a hollow space in the center of the pattern that can miss affected areas.
New eye/face wash designs using this new technology can ensure water is dispersed to all areas of the face including the forehead, temples and chin. These new types of eye/face washes provide 20 percent better washdown protection than other designs.
New swing-activated eyewash models save space in schools. For facilities such as busy classrooms, cloistered laboratory environments, and tight workspaces, a new eyewash model combines a sink faucet with an eyewash built in for emergency eyewash use, offering a highly efficient and convenient space-saving solution.
During regular faucet use, the eyewash is stored out of the way. In an emergency, the eyewash is immediately activated when it is swung out 90 degrees over the sink. When the eyewash is activated, the swing-activated design ensures that the faucet moves out of the way, positioning the eyewash directly over the sink and allowing clear access to the fixture. With the eyewash in the optimal position over the sink, water is contained in the sink without dripping or spraying on countertops and floors, which can create a risk of slipping and falling.
Ensuring Tepid Water Delivery
Eyewash stations must be equipped to supply reliable, on-demand tepid water for flushing fluid. ANSI/ISEA suggests an incoming water temperature between 60° F and 100° F (15.6-37.8° C). This temperature range feels most comfortable to users and helps encourage the full 15-minute flush of the injured area.
Location
ANSI/ISEA standards stipulate that eyewash stations should be no more than 10 seconds away from areas where hazardous chemicals or materials are being used. This ensures that individuals can reach the eyewash station quickly enough to minimize the damage caused by a chemical exposure. At sites where strong acids or caustics are used, the equipment should be placed immediately adjacent to where the exposure could occur. The path to the eyewash station must be clear of obstructions, well-lit, and free from any hazards that could delay a quick response.
Installation
Eyewash stations should be installed at a height that allows users to easily position their face in relation to the water stream. According to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1, the eyewash unit must be installed such that the flushing fluid from the nozzles are between 33 inches and 53 inches above the floor, with a flow of water that is consistent enough to flush out chemicals from the eyes effectively. Additionally, the eyewash should provide a gentle, steady flow of water to prevent further injury to the eyes and face.
Moreover, the location should be well marked with highly visible signage (using bright yellow in color is helpful) indicating the presence of the eyewash station. This makes it easier for both the person in distress and any bystanders to quickly locate the emergency equipment.
Eyewash Station Maintenance
For eyewash stations to function effectively during an emergency, regular maintenance is critical. Over time, eyewash systems can become clogged with debris, develop leaks, or suffer from issues such as low water pressure. Routine inspections and proper care are essential for ensuring that eyewash stations are ready for use when needed.
Regular Inspections
According to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1–2014, emergency eyewashes must be activated one time per week to ensure they work properly in supplying tepid water when needed. During this weekly activation, inspect eyewash stations to verify that they are free of obstructions and debris, the water flow is adequate, and the temperature is appropriate (between 60°F and 100°F). These inspections should also check the condition of the equipment, such as the nozzles and valves, and confirm that the eyewash station’s water supply is functioning properly.
Flushing
An essential part of maintenance is the practice of regularly flushing the eyewash station. Even if no emergency occurs, the system should be visually inspected and flushed to prevent stagnant water buildup, which can lead to contamination or bacterial growth. Flushing also ensures that water pressure and flow rate remain adequate. It’s important that all heads of the device are activated.
Documentation
Maintenance of eyewash stations should be documented according to university policies. Inspection tags are often included with fixtures to document testing and to satisfy a regulatory safety audit. Keeping a dated checklist for inspections helps follow-through and accountability. Training staff on the location and operation of fixtures also helps reinforce proper usage.
All of these steps help ensure that in the event of an emergency, your eyewash station is accessible, functional, and optimized for ease of use. Regularly review your safety plan and train staff on equipment use to ensure students and faculty are protected. While hazardous exposure and emergency eyewashes may not always seem like top priorities, regular maintenance and inspections of safety equipment ensure regulatory compliance and a safer learning environment for everyone.
