Emergency Eye Wash Instructions

Some of the most dangerous workplace or laboratory injuries are those that occur to the eyes. This is why emergency eye wash stations, which can either be stand-alone units or part of a building's plumbing, are an essential piece of safety equipment. Everyone who uses the space should be made aware of the eye wash locations and the proper procedure for its use. This will help reduce the risk of long-term damage from eye injuries until a doctor can be consulted.

Using the Eye Wash

• If an accident to an eye occurs, move quickly to the eye wash station. Depress the lever or button to begin the flow of water. This lever may be on the side of the bowl or on the floor near the base of the stand so that it can be pressed with the foot. Do not remove the plastic caps covering the eye wash nozzles, as they will swing away once the flow of water starts. Lower your head into the basin until the jets of water come directly into contact with both eyes. Hold your eyes wide open using your thumbs and index fingers. Keeping the head steady, move your eyes around by looking from side to side and up and down. This will help rinse as much of the eye as possible. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes or until a doctor arrives and is able to provide treatment. Even in cases of apparently minor injury, consult with a doctor as soon as possible in case additional treatment or an examination is necessary.

Eye Wash Maintenance

• To ensure that the emergency eye wash station is ready when it is needed, annual safety inspections should be required procedures. In addition, eye washes should be kept free from clutter and clearly marked. This includes markings on the floor so that the eye wash can be located quickly in an emergency. For eye washes that do not connect directly to the plumbing in a building, make sure that the supply of water or eye wash liquid is enough for 15 minutes of rinsing.