Eyewash Stations

Emergency Eyewash Stations for Workplace Safety

Emergency eyewash stations provide immediate flushing when the eyes are exposed to corrosive chemicals and other hazardous materials. Choosing the correct emergency flushing equipment depends on the workplace hazard, where an exposure could occur, available plumbing, environmental conditions and the area of the worker that may be affected.

Select Safety Sales supplies emergency eyewash equipment for manufacturing plants, laboratories, chemical-processing facilities, construction sites, utilities, healthcare facilities, schools and universities, government facilities and other workplaces where hazardous exposures may occur.

Our selection includes portable and self-contained eyewash stations, plumbed eyewashes, heated and freeze-protected systems, eye/face washes, portable pressurized tanks, thermostatic mixing valves, preservative, replacement parts and other emergency eyewash accessories.

Types of Emergency Eyewash Equipment

Different hazards and installation environments require different types of emergency flushing equipment. Start with the workplace hazard and then consider water availability, installation location, temperature and maintenance requirements.

Portable & Self-Contained Eyewash Stations

Portable eyewash stations provide emergency flushing where permanent plumbing is unavailable or impractical. Depending on the system, these units may use refillable reservoirs, gravity-fed designs, sealed flushing-fluid cartridges or other self-contained fluid supplies.

Portable eyewashes are commonly used at construction sites, remote facilities, temporary work areas and permanent locations where a suitable water connection cannot easily be provided.

Plumbed Eyewash Stations

Plumbed eyewash stations connect directly to a facility's water supply and are generally well suited to permanent hazard locations with dependable plumbing. Configurations can include wall-mounted, pedestal-mounted and other installation styles.

Eye/Face Wash Equipment

Eye/face wash equipment provides a broader flushing pattern than a conventional eyewash and should be considered when a hazardous exposure could affect both the eyes and surrounding facial area.

Heated & Freeze-Protected Eyewash Stations

Heated eyewash stations and freeze-protected equipment are designed for outdoor, unheated and freezing environments where cold temperatures could interfere with conventional emergency flushing equipment.

Portable Pressurized Eyewash Tanks

Pressurized portable systems provide another option for locations without permanent plumbing. They can be useful when portability, installation flexibility or a particular flushing configuration is required.

Eyewash Replacement Parts

Existing emergency eyewash equipment can often be repaired instead of replaced. Select Safety Sales offers eyewash replacement parts including spray heads, bowls, valves, dust covers, flow controls, activation components, hoses, drain components and other repair parts.

Replacement parts should be matched to the manufacturer and model of the existing equipment whenever possible.

How to Choose an Emergency Eyewash Station

Eyewash selection should begin with the workplace hazard rather than the equipment style or price. Review the substances being used, Safety Data Sheets, possible exposure area, location of the hazard and the utilities available at the installation site.

For a more detailed comparison, see our How to Choose an Eyewash Station for Your Facility guide.

OSHA & ANSI/ISEA Eyewash Requirements

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c) requires suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body within the work area for immediate emergency use where the eyes or body may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials.

ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 provides detailed minimum performance and use criteria for emergency eyewash and shower equipment, including eyewashes, eye/face washes, emergency showers and combination units.

For detailed information about equipment location, flushing duration, flow, temperature, activation and maintenance, see our Emergency Eyewash Station Requirements resource.

Important Eyewash Installation Considerations

• Start with the hazard. Review workplace processes, chemicals and Safety Data Sheets.
• Provide rapid access. Emergency flushing equipment must be positioned so an exposed worker can reach and operate it quickly.
• Keep the path clear. Equipment, stored materials and other obstructions should not interfere with access.
• Select the appropriate coverage. Determine whether the hazard requires an eyewash, eye/face wash, emergency shower or combination system.
• Plan for flushing-fluid temperature. Evaluate the incoming water supply and environmental conditions and determine whether temperature-control equipment is required.
• Consider drainage. A full emergency flushing event can discharge a substantial quantity of water. Plan the installation accordingly.
• Train employees. Workers who may be exposed should know the location of the emergency equipment and how to activate it immediately.

Eyewash Station Inspection & Maintenance

Emergency eyewash equipment must remain ready for immediate use. Maintenance requirements vary between plumbed, refillable self-contained and sealed-cartridge systems.

Plumbed Eyewash Stations

Plumbed eyewash equipment should be activated weekly in accordance with applicable ANSI/ISEA guidance and maintained according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Routine activation verifies operation and helps clear sediment and stagnant water from the supply.

Portable & Self-Contained Eyewash Stations

Refillable portable systems may require periodic cleaning, fluid replacement and approved preservative. Sealed-cartridge systems require inspection and cartridge replacement according to the manufacturer's service and expiration requirements.

Maintenance requirements and ownership costs can therefore differ substantially between eyewash designs and should be considered when selecting equipment.

Portable vs. Plumbed Eyewash Stations

Eyewash Bottles & Personal Wash Units

Eyewash bottles and personal wash units can provide supplemental flushing in some workplace applications. They are not substitutes for required primary emergency eyewash equipment.

ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 treats personal wash units as supplemental equipment. The facility's hazard assessment should determine the primary emergency flushing equipment required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eyewash Stations

When is an emergency eyewash station required?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c) requires suitable quick drenching or flushing facilities within the work area for immediate emergency use where workers may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials.

Should I choose a portable or plumbed eyewash station?

A plumbed eyewash is generally appropriate for a permanent hazard location with a dependable water supply. Portable or self-contained equipment is often useful where plumbing is unavailable, impractical or the hazard location may change.

Is a portable eyewash less compliant than a plumbed eyewash?

Not necessarily. A properly selected self-contained eyewash may serve as primary emergency eyewash equipment when the complete system meets applicable requirements and is appropriate for the hazard.

What is the difference between an eyewash and an eye/face wash?

A conventional eyewash is intended primarily to flush the eyes. An eye/face wash provides broader coverage for both the eyes and surrounding facial area.

Do I need a thermostatic mixing valve?

A thermostatic mixing valve may be required when the available water supply cannot consistently provide suitable tepid flushing fluid. Verify valve capacity, inlet conditions and compatibility with the emergency fixture.

Can eyewash bottles replace an emergency eyewash station?

No. Eyewash bottles and personal wash units are supplemental equipment and should not replace required primary emergency eyewash equipment.

How often should a plumbed eyewash be activated?

Plumbed emergency eyewash equipment should be activated weekly in accordance with applicable ANSI/ISEA guidance. Facilities should also follow the manufacturer's inspection and maintenance instructions.

Can an existing eyewash station be repaired?

Often, yes. Spray heads, dust covers, bowls, valves, flow controls, activation components and other parts can frequently be replaced.

When should I consider a combination eyewash and safety shower?

If the hazard could expose both the eyes and a significant portion of the worker's body, evaluate whether a combination eyewash and emergency safety shower is appropriate.

Eyewash Station Resources

Use our emergency eyewash resources for more detailed information about equipment selection, workplace requirements and proper use.