Employees who work in manufacturing facilities or other industrial areas may work in close contact with chemicals or other materials that can cause irritation or serious harm if these substances come in contact with the face and, particularly, the eyes. When a person is splashed with or comes in contact with a hazardous substance, time is critical. Delaying treatment for only a few seconds can increase the likelihood of serious injury. When located appropriately and maintained effectively, emergency eye wash showers and eye wash stations can provide that critical time savings needed to minimize the long-term effects from an accident.

Eye wash stations are available in three primary forms: plumbed eyewash stations or showers; portable, self-contained eye wash stations; and single-use eyewash bottles. In order for a facility to use a plumbed eyewash faucet or shower, a water source needs to be available in the area designated as an effective location for emergency response. For emergency showers and eyewash stations to be effective, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment recommends that the affected body part be flushed immediately and thoroughly for at least 15 minutes using a large supply of clean fluid under low pressure. The ANSI standard also indicates that the rinsing fluid may be potable water or a preserved saline solution that meets certain standards and is inspected and changed out routinely. Unfortunately, studies have shown that many people do not adhere to these guidelines. More commonly, they rinse the affected body part or area for less than five minutes, particularly in climates or situations where the water used for rinsing is cold.

It's important to note that plumbed eyewash stations and showers need to be checked and used frequently. When water in the lines remains stagnant for a period of time, contaminants, rust, and scale can form in the water and then irritate or cause further harm to the eyes or body part being flushed. Running the shower periodically can test water pressure, keep the water fresh, and remove many of the contaminants that may have built up in the system.

When water lines are not available, portable, self-contained eyewash stations that mount on a wall and have a limited amount of fluid, usually enough to last for the 15-minute flushing period specified in the standard, can be used. Maintenance of this type of eyewash station is critical to ensure that units are charged with fluid and that the fluid has not expired.

Portable eyewash bottles can be used as a quick-response measure for flushing until the person can be moved to a more effective eyewash station such as a portable eyewash unit or a plumbed eyewash station that can flush the victim for the required 15-minute period. A key disadvantage of a portable eyewash bottle is that they are very difficult for the user to handle, especially when alone and when both eyes have been exposed. These eyewash bottles also do not allow the individual to flush both eyes simultaneously. For these reasons, only use eyewash bottles for an immediate flush and move the person as quickly as possible to another eyewash station.

Regardless of the type of eyewash station used, always designate a person in the work area to be responsible for inspecting and operating the emergency showers or eyewash stations. This individual should keep a signed, dated record of their inspections and have any repairs or maintenance completely immediately.