Eye Wash Technique

In any industrial or laboratory setting, first aid equipment is an important part of the setting. Knowing how to use that equipment is usually a requirement of being able to work in the space. For many types of eye injuries, including exposure to chemicals, an emergency eye wash station can be a useful form of first aid. Using an eye wash properly can help lessen the severity of the injury and buy time until a doctor can be contacted for treatment.

Eye Wash Use

• Following an eye injury, move quickly but carefully to the nearest eye wash. Knowing the location of eye washes in advance is a good idea, since vision may be impaired due to the injury. Turn the eye wash on by depressing the lever or button that controls the flow of water. This lever may be located on the side of the eye wash bowl, or may be a floor pedal to be depressed with the foot. As water starts to flow, the plastic caps covering the eye wash nozzles will come off. Move your face into the eye wash so that the water comes into direct contact with both eyes. Use your thumbs and index fingers to hold your eyelids open to allow the largest possible surface of the eye to be washed. Also, move both eyes around slowly, from side to side and up and down. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes or until a doctor arrives. Remember that an eye wash is intended for short-term use and is not a substitute for a doctor's examination and instructions.

Maintenance

• In most cases, an eye wash unit will be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that it is functional. Eye washes should also be noted with signage or markings on the floor so they can be located quickly in case of an emergency. In cases where an eye wash is not connected to a source of water, the water reserve or eye wash fluid should always remain full enough to last for at least 15 minutes of use.