Is This Any Place to Flush an Eye Injury?

What’s wrong with this picture?

Welcome to the eyewash station from hell

Welcome to the eyewash station from hell:

  • The basin is filthy and caked with dirt.
  • The fluid pumps appear bone dry.
  • Access is blocked by mops, buckets, watering cans and goodness knows what else.

Other than that, it’s a terrific place to flush an eye injury.

The Moral: Keep your own eyewash facilities clean, supplied with rinsing fluid and easy for workers to get at.

3 Reasons to Pay Attention

  1. More than 2,000 U.S. workers suffer an eye injury at work each day
  2. More than 100,000 workers lose total or partial sight as a result of work-related eye injuries each year
  3. Immediately flushing the injured eye can save your vision

4 CRITICAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT EYEWASHING

Eyewash stations resemble water fountains in design and appearance. But their purpose is not for drinking but ensuring that workers exposed to flying debris, chemicals and other hazards to the eye have a place to go in case they need to flush their eyes. For eyewashing to be effective:

1. The Eyewash Station Must Be within 10 Seconds’ Reach

Objects blocking access to the eyewash station like in the picture cost you precious time!

2. Eyewash Station Must Provide Enough Fluid for at Least 15 Minutes of Flushing

3. Fluid in the Eyewash Station Should Be between 60°F and 100°F

4. Eyewash Stations Should Also Have a Sign or Conspicuous Markings

8 EYEWASH DO’S & DON’Ts

There are 8 things to do/not do to ensure safe use of eyewash facilities

DO know where the closest eyewash station is at all times

DON’T place mops, cans or any other objects in front of eyewash stations

DO keep eyewash facilities clean and sanitary

DON’T place covers over eyewash facilities

DO be sure you know and follow instructions for proper eyewashing

DON’T tamper with eyewash facilities

DO tell your supervisor right away if you notice any problems with eyewash stations like obstructions, dirt, missing fluid, etc.

DON’T forget to use your eye and face protection when working in or near things that can hurt your eyes—remember that 90% of all eye injuries are preventable