How to find the best eyewash stations for your staff

There’s a significant number of eye injuries daily on the job, especially in industrial work areas where employees can be exposed to harmful chemicals or substances, dirt, or debris. Fortunately, with proper care and the right personal protective equipment, 90% of these injuries are preventable.

As preventable as these injuries are, accidents still happen. For those unusual instances when eye injuries happen, it makes good sense to have emergency eyewash stations in strategic locations all around the workplace.

In this article, Canadian Occupational Safety discusses the need for emergency eyewash stations. If your organization has yet to include eyewash stations as part of your safety measures, this guide on eyewash stations should help. We will provide insight on important questions like:

• How do you use an eyewash station?
• What are the eye wash station requirements in Canada?
• Are there specific eye wash temperature requirements?

We will answer these and more, so let’s get into it.

Types of eyewash stations

Eyewash stations are an important part of a company or organization's workplace safety measures. They make up part of the safety infrastructure and personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees.

These stations are essential for employees if they deal with hazardous chemicals or other substances that may cause serious eye injuries. In your search for eyewash stations, there are generally two main types: plumbed and portable eyewash stations.

1. Plumbed eyewashes

As the name suggests, these eyewash stations are connected to a building’s plumbing system. To function effectively, plumbed eyewashes are connected to a source of potable water and drainage. These eyewash stations can be further divided into several types:

Wall-mounted

This type may or may not have a bowl and, like a sink, is mounted on walls.

Floor-mounted

This plumbed eyewash station is on a pedestal and may drain straight to the building’s plumbing or to a drain on the floor.

Deck-mounted

Deck-mounted eyewashes are another form of plumbed eyewash station, usually placed right next to a sink. To use deck-mounted eyewash stations, it can have a swing arm that is positioned over the sink basin or have a dual-headed drench hose that can be extended by the user.

Faucet-mounted

This type of eyewash station is connected to an existing faucet, draining into a sink. Since this is not typically temperature-controlled nor does it have sufficient pressure to deploy in a second or less, it's considered as a supplemental eyewash. If it has insufficient pressure, faucet-mounted stations must be replaced by or used with other eyewash stations.

Eyewash stations are crucial safety features in water plants, but their maintenance and correct usage often go unnoticed. Are you aware of the essential maintenance practices and proper procedures? pic.twitter.com/NmI38jidhq

— Water Movement (@water_movement_) June 29, 2023

2. Portable eyewash station

This category of eyewash stations consists of those not connected to a building or facility’s plumbing system. These stations have independent water supplies or use flushing fluid instead of water to wash away contaminants from the eyes. The different types of portable eyewash stations include:

Self-contained eyewash

This portable eyewash has its own reservoir of flushing fluid. Generally, self-contained eyewash stations have their flushing fluid reservoir suspended, using gravity to feed the eyewash heads.

Mounted on a wall, these self-contained units must be able to deploy tepid flushing fluid at a speed and volume of 0.4 gallon per minute (GPM) for at least 15 minutes. This is important, as this capability is required for this type of station to be deemed OSHA-compliant.

Squeeze bottle eyewash

This portable eyewash is simply a plastic bottle filled with a buffered saline solution. Saline solutions expire and should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. If water is used instead of a saline solution, the water must be changed weekly.

Key features to consider

Your company and staff should not settle on just any sort of eyewash stations. These must be compliant with standards set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Right now, there is no Canadian standard for the design of eyewash stations. Your staff can refer instead to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z358.1-2014 (R2020) for the specifications and requirements for emergency eyewash and shower equipment.

Here are some of the most important OSHA requirements to consider when choosing and installing your eyewash stations:

• Eyewash stations must be within a 17-metre (55-foot) radius, or reachable within ten seconds of walking away from the potential workplace hazard.
• The station must be on the same level as the hazard with no obstruction; no steps, ladders, or any obstacles should impede or delay access to the station.
• The station must provide a flow of flushing liquid or water that does not harm the eyes. The flow must also last long enough to let users continue flushing for at least 15 minutes.
• The area around the eyewash station must be clearly marked and sufficiently lit.
• The height of the station should accommodate most people regardless of height; the station should be between 33 and 45 inches from the floor.

Compliance and standards

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), management and relevant staff of your organization should consult the local occupational health and safety agency in your locale. This is important to ensure that your organization conforms with the local legislation on occupational health and safety in general and eyewash stations in particular.

As of now, there is no Canada-wide standard for the design, placement, or use of eyewash stations or emergency showers. However, Ontario has mandated Regulations for Industrial Establishments (O.Reg.851) under their own Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Many Canadian organizations are also encouraged to apply the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z358.1-2014 (R2020) "Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment" as a guide.

Eyewash station installation tips

There can be a long process involved in installing eyewash stations at your worksite. It’s advisable to contact and consult the best safety experts and help you find the best eyewash stations for your company’s needs. These safety contractors and consultants should be sufficiently qualified to ensure that you choose from stations that fulfill the ANSI Z358.1-2014 (R2020) Standard.

Maintenance and testing of eyewash stations

Maintaining your eyewash stations is necessary to ensure that your staff always have sufficient water flow. They should be always ready to flush in case of an emergency. To maintain your wash stations, do weekly checks of the water pressure to ensure proper function.

If plumbed, let the wash station’s water run through the spray heads to flush out any sediment and stagnant water.

For gravity-fed stations, these wash stations require changing the water every 3-6 months. Read the manufacturer's instructions for additional upkeep and safety tips.

Testing and maintenance procedure for plumbed eyewash stations

Here are the standard steps for testing and maintaining stations plumbed eyewash stations:

1. Visually inspect the unit. Check for any damage or corrosion to parts of the unit, like the hose, nozzles or spray heads, and protective lids. Observe if there are any leaks and make sure the unit is clear of any obstructions or obstacles.

2. Provide a catchment for the water or flushing liquid. If the unit is not connected to a drain, place supplies under or around the eyewash to catch any outflowing water or flushing liquid. You can use an empty tub, large bucket, or large trash bag.

3. Turn on the eyewash station. To ensure that the station works properly, test the station at full strength.

4. Flush out impurities and stagnant water. Allow the station to run its water, then check if the water flow is clear and sputter-free. Let the water run for an extra 30 to 60 seconds to flush out debris or impurities in the system.

5. Turn off the eyewash. If not connected to a drain, be sure to collect the water and pour it into a sink drain. Clean up water that may have splattered or spilled on the floors and walls.

6. If found to be damaged, replace protective caps.

7. Take note of any functional defects. Contact your supplier to make the necessary repairs or replacement of parts. Some of the defects can include:

• uneven water flow; too weak or too strong
• incorrect water temperature; the temperature range ideally should be between 60°F and 100°F (between 15.5°C and 38°C)
• water does not run clear

Make sure that your company’s safety personnel sign the testing record with their initials, or signature, and mark down the date of inspection.

Are you checking and activating your plumbed eyewash stations weekly?

Are you sure?

Are you checking to make sure they are free from any particles or debris?

Are the overs acceptable and in good working order?

Are they ready if needed?

Check them and inspect them! pic.twitter.com/IqMck3mnip

— James Owens, CDS (@JSOSafety) July 18, 2024

Testing and maintenance of non-plumbed eyewash systems

As for the inspection, upkeep and testing of independent, non-plumbed systems, here are the steps:

1. Inspect the unit thoroughly. Look for damage to the parts, corrosion, and leaks. Make sure that the eyewash unit is not obstructed and easily accessible.

2. Replenish or replace the flushing liquid if necessary. Flushing fluids, like buffered saline solutions, have expiration dates. Check the expiration dates on the unit and replace the fluid as needed. If no expiration dates are indicated, replace the fluid at least once a year.

3. Follow other instructions from the manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer’s operating manual for any other maintenance instructions or procedures.

4. Record the inspection and maintenance procedure. Log the date and time when the inspection and maintenance process was done. Be sure to have the relevant personnel sign the log and record the date.

Eyewash station options

Here’s a list of some of the top choices for eyewash stations on the market. You and your staff can explore these options, but it’s best to shop around and compare before finalizing purchase decisions.

1. Wall-mounted eyewash station top pick: Global Industrial Emergency Eye Wash Station

This model is a top choice eye wash station due to its robust materials. Its plastic bowl mounts directly onto a wall, maximizing its stability and durability. With its dual head spray system, automatic flow control and integral flow control, this unit can provide a gentle water flow that won’t cause further irritation and ensures thorough flushing.

The unit is easily activated by a very visible push plate, so eye flushing is done quickly. This is perfect for worksites that deal with many hazardous chemicals or substances.

2. Floor-mounted eyewash station top pick: Hughes STD-85GS/P-SS Floor-mounted Eye/Facewash Fountain

With its stainless-steel bowl, this unit effectively combines practicality, durability, and cleanliness. Its aerated diffusers provide a soft flow of water that lessens the risk of additional eye injury while flushing. Thanks to its pedestal design, this model is ideal for industrial worksites, as it is easily seen and accessible in emergency situations.

3. Deck-mounted eyewash station top pick: Guardian Equipment G1805 Eyewash

This emergency eyewash station has a patented technology that allows it to activate by positioning the spray head horizontally over the sink. The water that flows out of this model is typically clean, thanks to the integral filter, flow control and dust covers. This unit is especially useful in small spaces, since the unit is easily installed beside an ordinary sink.

4. Faucet-mounted eyewash station top pick: Uline BL 880 Faucet Mount Eyewash Station

This unit is a highly practical, cost-efficient solution that turns any standard faucet into an emergency eyewash station. No special tools or additional plumbing are required for installation, making it ideal for workplaces that need flexible safety solutions.

The eyewash unit is activated with an easy-pull knob and features flip-top dust covers to ensure cleanliness. Its simple design and functionality make this a cost-effective choice for adding emergency features without the need for complex renovations.

5. Gravity-fed portable eyewash station top pick: Haws 7500 Portable Eyewash Station

With its 16-gallon capacity, the Haws 7500 meets the ANSI Z358.1-2014 requirements for ample flushing at a steady pressure. The unit has a durable, high-density polyethylene tank and ABS plastic eyewash heads that produce the required 0.4 GPM flow rate over 15 minutes.

The Haws 7500 is activated with a yellow pull-down arm, and its portable design is made better with integral handles and a wide opening for easy maintenance and refilling. This model is ideal for remote and low-traffic areas that require dependable emergency eyewash capabilities.

For other eyewash station options, visit our page on emergency showers and eyewash.

Guidelines for using eyewash stations

Fortunately, workplace incidents that affect the eyes are few and far between, but it helps to be aware and know how to use an eyewash station should the need arise. In case of emergency, here are useful tips for using an eyewash station:

Don’t delay or hesitate to use the station

If you suspect a small spill or small hazard entered one or both eyes, do not hesitate or delay in using the eyewash station. Ideally, the station must be located within a ten-second walk away from any hazardous substance or materials in your worksite.

Remove contact lenses

If you wear contact lenses, remove them only when you’ve begun flushing out your eyes.

Concentrate on flushing your eyes

Once activated, the eyewash station should continuously discharge water without further manipulation on the user’s part. Use your fingers to keep your eyelids open, then lower your eyes to the water coming out of the nozzles. Gently roll your eyes from side to side, and up and down.

Don’t stop flushing

Continue to flush out your eyes for at least 15 minutes, rolling your eyes and making sure that the water reaches every part of your eyeballs. This is the minimum time it takes to completely flush chemicals out of your eyes, so don’t stop flushing until the 15 minutes are up. Taking less time may not flush out the chemicals and lead to permanent eye damage.

Get medical assistance

After completing the flushing, seek medical attention immediately. Have a work colleague take you to the nearest hospital; do not risk going yourself as your vision may become impaired.

Here’s a video on what to do in case of an emergency where using an eyewash station is warranted. While the video is of eye contamination in a laboratory setting, this can apply in industrial worksites as well:

Visit our Product Resources page for more news and information about workplace safety equipment and devices in Canada. 

The importance of eyewash stations

Eyewash stations are an important part of workplace safety, especially in industries and environments that can potentially result in serious eye injuries. In fact, according to the CCOHS, at least 200 people in Canada get a work-related eye injury every day.

Failing to take protective or emergency measures and train workers in their use not only results in high medical costs, but also affects employees’ morale. This can sometimes result in hefty fines. Once your eyewash stations are installed, inform and train employees on their location and use.

Which of the eyewash stations we featured are you thinking of purchasing for your workplace? Let us know in the comments below