Eyewash station solutions are one of the crucial parts of safety protocols in industries. Industrial areas are prone to accidents, a quick action is very important to minimize the aftereffects. Safety must be the top priority in a workspace where dangerous materials or chemicals are used. Eye wash referred to as ögonsköljning in Swedish is the necessity to prevent eyes from these materials.
Eyewash station solutions help prevent eye injuries resulting from chemical contact. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of eyewash solutions, their availability of different types, their maintenance, regulatory guidelines, and their role in the safety of employees in industries, labs, and construction areas.
The importance of eyewash station solutions
The potential risk factors for eyes include dangerous chemicals, foreign particles, and airborne contaminants in labs, industries, and construction areas. Immediate action is necessary for the prevention of huge damage to the eyes when eye accidents occur. For this purpose, eyewash solutions are specially designed.
They provide quick access to clean, flowing water, which effectively flushes out irritants, chemicals, or particles that might have come into contact with the eyes. They immediately help clean the eyes with flowing water. The flowing water flushes out the chemicals, irritants, or airborne particles from the eyes. Immediate use of eyewash solutions will prevent serious eye injuries. Additionally, it stops further complications and speeds up the process of healing.
Types of eyewash stations
Eyewash stations are available in different types, designed according to the requirements and conditions of workspaces. Here are some types of eyewash solutions:
1- Plumbed eyewash stations
These stations are specially designed for areas where there are high chances of contact between eyes and chemicals or harmful materials. Plumbed stations are ideal for labs, manufacturing areas, and where water supply is consistent. The stations have a direct connection to dependable water supply.
2- Gravity-fed eyewash stations
In these stations, gravity plays a major role in water supply. They don’t need a direct water connection, gravity provides pressure for rinsing purposes. These stations contained a mixture of two things, one was the water and the other was the sterile solution. Where the installation of plumbed stations is difficult, gravity-fed stations come into action. Their suitable locations are places that have no direct water supply or remote places.
3- Portable Eyewash Stations
These stations are different from the above-mentioned stations. They come with their water supply or reservoir. As their name shows these are portable stations and can easily be transferred from one location to another. Portable stations are suitable for locations where a fixed supply of water is not available or the job sites where employees move around a lot such as construction sites.
Composition and types solutions for eyewash stations
Eye wash solutions consisted of sterile water or saline solution. These solutions thoroughly rinse the eyes and clean it from irritants or other harmful agents. Eyewash solutions are 99% purified water and have traces of other elements such as salt and boric acid. Boric acid acts as antibacterial and can kill other germs. Being acidic it can harm your eyes or skin but eyelash solutions contain only traces of boric acid. And these traces can not affect the eyes when used as per direction given by the manufacturer.
Below are the types of some solutions used in eyewash station:
Sterile water serves as a neutral agent for smooth rinsing of eyes. It is purified and has no microorganisms or contaminants. It is used to soothe irritation, redness, stinging, and discomfort resulting from foreign particles in eyes.
Saline solution is composed of water and salt (sodium chloride). But the amount of salt is in traces like the composition of tears. Its nature is isotonic, same like the other body fluids that help in irritation to eye tissues. This solution is useful for irrigation of foreign particles in eye or chemical eye contact.
Buffering agents are used in solutions as PH regulators. It helps to neutralize the alkaline or acidic substances that come in contact with eyes. These agents are used for flushing chemicals, caustics, and irritants from eyes.
Antiseptic agents are rarely used in eyelash solutions. Antiseptic agents are added to the solutions when there is risk of microorganism contamination. stops the microbial contamination. However, these agents must be used under healthcare professionals.
Learn about eye shower also called Silmäsuihkun in Finnish!
Maintaining eyewash station solutions
If an eyewash station is maintained properly, it will be more effective when needed in any emergency. Below are a few guidelines for maintenance of eyewash platforms:
Weekly testing – Weekly testing should be done to make sure that the stations are working fine. Flush the eye station for at least 3 minutes to clear any blockage or other foreign bodies in nozzles. Regular testing will ensure effective and clean water flushing.
Flushing fluid replacement – To avoid any contamination or bacterial growth the flushing fluid should be changed as per direction by manufacturers.
Temperature control – Temperature is an important factor to be monitored to prevent any thermal shock that can cause serious eye injury. Therefore, temperature should be measured according to the ANSI guidelines.
Clear signage – A clear sign board should be installed pointing to the eyewash platform’s location. Along with signage proper instruction must be given to operate stations.
Regulatory considerations for eyewash station solutions
Install the eyewash solutions in compliance with regulatory recommendations. Keep in mind all the considerations given by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), or any other local regulation. To ensure complete compliance always refer to related regulations. Below are some key considerations to keep in mind while installing eyewash station solutions:
According to OSHA employees must be facilitated with quick and effective eye irrigation in emergency cases or chemical exposure. Regulation (29 CFR 1910.151(c)) suggests that eyewash platforms are installed at 55 feet or 10 seconds away from the hazard. Eyewash solutions are fully compliant with OSHA standards and can be used as preventive measures in workplaces.
Moreover, ANSI guidelines provide information about the following:
- Design for station
- Installation of station
- Maintenance of shower equipment and emergency eyewash
Standards are set by ANSI Z358.1-2014 for temperature, water flow rate, and eyewash station location. Following these guidelines guarantees the effectiveness of eyewash solutions to provide quick relief.
Another regulatory consideration is the compatibility of eye wash solutions. Different irritants or chemicals need a different type of solution i.e.sterile or saline solution. Use only the type of station in compliance with the working environment or chemicals present in the workplace. For this purpose, you should consult an expert to suggest the right eye wash solution. Besides compatibility, installation and accessibility, crucial. Eyewash platforms must be located in working areas where there is a chance of chemical or irritant exposure. They should be installed at a place that is easily locatable by employees in any emergency condition. In addition, they must be working fine with no obstruction.
Furthermore, regular testing for maintenance is a very important consideration. For the effectiveness of eyewash platforms, regular maintenance and testing is compulsory. According to ANSI guidelines, activation tests should be performed weekly. This will ensure proper flushing of irritants or chemicals and a good water flow. Furthermore, for addressing any issues monthly and annual inspections should be done. Also, training helps to use stations effectively. Employees must be aware of the eyewash solutions and their uses. So they can easily use them in any emergencies or cases of chemical exposure. This can be done by giving employees workshops or training sessions. They should be addressed about the types of eye wash platforms and their uses for quick protocols.
Keeping the record of eyewash showers shows that the company is dedicated to the safety and well-being of its employees. The record includes employee training, maintenance, and testing of eyewash stations. Remember that regulations can vary by location and industry, so it’s important to stay informed about the specific requirements that apply to your workplace. Regularly review and update your eyewash platform procedures to align with the latest regulations and best practices.
In the end, eyewash stations are not only emergency equipment, they are safety culture setters in any workspace where there are chances of eye contact with chemicals or irritants. If the employees know about the eyewash area location, its uses, and its importance. They will respond quickly in an emergency. Safety training on eyewash solutions regularly gives strength to setting up a safety culture and will ensure the working place safety.
Conclusion
Properly maintained and accessible eyewash station solutions could be a lifesaver when the workers work in an environment having dangerous materials. This equipment gives a quick response in eye emergencies. Hence, minimize the chances of severe injuries and future consequences.
A workplace will make great progress in employee safety by knowing the types of eye washers, maintaining protocols, following the guidelines of regulatory authorities, and developing a safety culture. Remember, investing in eye safety today ensures a healthier and more secure tomorrow for everyone involved. Keep in mind that if we invest in eye safety today. The results will be in the form of a healthy and safe future for the community.