Eyewash Stations

Emergency Eye Washes: What You Need to Know

Any commercial establishment that handles potentially harmful chemicals, medical waste, or other hazardous substances should have an appropriate eyewash unit in case the substance gets in someone's eye. Our eyes are incredibly sensitive and our vision can be damaged permanently by contact with some substances. Depending on what materials you're working with, you may need to provide every worker with protective eyewear, but for less caustic substances, an eyewash station may suffice.

Even substances that aren't necessarily hazards to vision can still be painful and irritating. Emergency eye washes can safely remove irritants quickly, which in some cases may be relieving and in other cases may be vital. We carry wall-mounted, countertop, and portable eye washes so that every type of business and workstation can be outfitted with an appropriate piece of safety equipment.

Common Questions About Eyewash Stations

How does an eyewash station work?

These clever safety devices provide a gentle stream of water with which the user can wash irritants from their eyes. Rather than flushing water straight from the sink into the eye, these units can provide an even, comfortable flow at an appropriate temperature to prevent further eye irritation or damage from unregulated faucet flow. The first major benefit of an eyewash station is that the water can be directed upwards into the eye at a gentle rate, rather than having the afflicted person try to get their eye underneath a faucet or rinsing with water scooped up with their hands. Having the person looking downwards while the eye is washed ensures the water and irritant run out of the eye and into the collection basin with gravity's help, rather than having gravity pulling the irritant downwards into the eye.

Second, an eyewash station applies an appropriate level of force to the stream of water, so as not to damage the eye. Too much water pressure directed into someone's eye can cause as much damage as the irritant. On the other hand, these stations create a vertical water stream with an apex of water that's perfect for a gentle rinse. Many eyewash stations try to direct the debris towards the outside of the eye (as opposed to the inside, near to nose) to keep irritants away from the lacrimal sac. If the irritants enter the lacrimal sac, they can go into the respiratory system and end up in the lungs, which can be very dangerous. Users should follow the specific directions that come with their eye wash station to ensure they get the full benefit of the machine's design.

Some portable eyewash stations use a premix of saline solution that matches the pH balance of the eye for an even more comfortable wash. This solution is similar to contact lens solution and restores comfort to the eye as it cleans. The downside to portable eyewash stations is that they're limited use – you must purchase refills of the solution, which will change depending on the specific model you purchase.

Do I need a wall-mounted, countertop, or portable eyewash station?

The placement of your eyewash equipment depends on where you might need quick access to one and where you can connect a permanent unit to plumbing. Wall-mounted options are great in high-risk areas where you know workers will contact potentially hazardous materials frequently. Countertop units are best when you already have access to, for example, a bathroom sink; just add a countertop eye wash to your existing plumbing. If your needs won't be centralized, or if your operation moves around, you'll need a portable eye wash.