Eye Wash
Here is a quick run down of the different eye wash stations and products available to you. As far as injuries go, eye injuries are more common than you think.
Everyday nearly 2,000 employees suffer work-related eye injuries. In the U.S. statistics indicate that younger men receive the most eye injuries of any age group.
We've created a guide on first aid for eye injuries. Just click here.
Protecting your peepers is important. Here what you need to know. Drum roll please. There are three types of wash. - Eye wash stations
- Portable eye wash kits
- Personal eye wash
Eye Wash Stations
This are called “plumbed” or stationary eye wash stations, it looks like a common drinking fountain. It consists of a basin with water taps and will have one jet or two that flwos water just like a powerful drinking fountain. In the work place it must be readily accessible, labeled, and attached to a "dedicated cold water source." They must offer 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes to provide flushing fluid at 30 PSI. It is possible to purchase a free standing unit that hook up to your pipes or counter top units that hook up to your exsisting faucets. OSHA and ANSI have fairly strict standards when it comes to eye wash stations. Check with your industry standards to make sure you are compliant. These units cost anywhere from $400-$700 depending.
Portable Eye Wash Kits
They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are gravity-feed. The name says it all, a device that contains its own flushing fluid. Others are pressurized.These kits can range in size from a large plastic water bottle to a lunch size cooler. And will hold anywhere from 16 ounces to 16 gallons of water. Obviously the fluid in these kits will need to be replaced after use. The gravity-feed units should offer 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) for 15 minutes. This units average at about $400.
Personal Eye Wash
These units are typically single use vials for home use or inside a first aid kit.
They are easy to use. You simply twist off the plastic top and gently squeeze the contents into the eye. The vials are small and easy to transport making them ideal for a home kit or camping kit (in a pinch they can be used to flush a wound). And if you have kids buy a few extra. In the workplace personal units are meant to compliment the plumbed and gravity-feed units not act as a substitute.
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for educational purposes only. This information is not intended as a
substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or formal
first-aid training. If you're in a life-threatening or emergency medical
situation, seek medical assistance immediately.
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