Chemical Splashes in the Eyes: Effects and Immediate Response

A chemical splash to the eye is a medical emergency. Acids, alkalis, solvents and other hazardous substances can injure the surface of the eye and, in some cases, damage deeper structures. The outcome can be affected by the substance involved, its concentration, the amount of exposure and how quickly flushing begins.

Workplaces that use hazardous chemicals should evaluate eye-exposure risks before an incident occurs. Appropriate eye and face protection, accessible emergency flushing equipment, employee training and current Safety Data Sheets all contribute to a faster and more effective response.

How Chemical Exposure Can Injure the Eye

The cornea and other exposed eye tissues are sensitive to chemical injury. Contact may cause pain, burning, redness, tearing, swelling, blurred vision or sensitivity to light. More serious exposures can damage the cornea and other eye structures and may result in permanent vision impairment.

The absence of immediate severe pain does not necessarily mean that an exposure is harmless. The chemical should be flushed away promptly, and the response should follow the applicable Safety Data Sheet and professional medical guidance.

Acid and Alkali Eye Exposures

Both acidic and alkaline substances can cause serious injury. The potential severity cannot be determined from pH alone. Concentration, chemical properties, temperature, exposure duration and the speed and effectiveness of irrigation can all affect the outcome.

Immediate Response to a Chemical Eye Splash

Contact Lenses in Chemical Work Areas

Contact lenses are not protective equipment and do not replace required eye and face protection. NIOSH recommends that contact-lens use in chemical environments be addressed through the employer's hazard assessment, written policies, training and selection of appropriate eye and face protection.

If a chemical exposure occurs, irrigation should begin immediately. Contact lenses should be removed as soon as practical without delaying or interrupting flushing. Any task-specific restrictions should be based on applicable regulations, the substances used and advice from qualified occupational-safety and medical professionals.

Use the Safety Data Sheet

Every hazardous chemical used in the workplace should have an accessible Safety Data Sheet. Section 4 provides first-aid information, while other sections describe hazards, protective measures and handling considerations. Employees should know how to locate the SDS quickly, but an exposed worker should not postpone immediate irrigation while someone searches for it.

Preventing Chemical Eye Injuries

Emergency flushing equipment is part of a broader workplace-protection program. Employers should begin with a documented hazard assessment and use appropriate engineering controls, work practices, personal protective equipment and employee training.

• Select eye and face protection appropriate for the chemical and exposure route.
• Use properly fitting chemical-splash goggles when the hazard assessment calls for splash protection.
• Wear a face shield over appropriate primary eye protection when additional face protection is needed.
• Keep eyewash stations visible, accessible and free from obstructions.
• Inspect, activate and maintain emergency equipment according to the applicable standard and manufacturer instructions.
• Train employees to find and operate the equipment before an emergency occurs.
• Review chemical inventories and Safety Data Sheets whenever processes or substances change.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c) requires suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body within the work area where employees' eyes or bodies may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 provides widely used performance, installation, testing and use criteria for emergency eyewash and shower equipment.