Eye wash stations are needed in various places according to state and federal regulations. These places might include high school science labs, college chemistry labs, or work places that have hazardous materials on location. Whatever the place is, an eye wash station is useless if it is not properly equipped. The following are the requirements for a fully functional eye wash station.
Readily Available
An eye wash station has to be readily accessible within the same vicinity that hazardous chemicals are being used and kept. An eye wash station should be within a 10-second vicinity of the chemicals. In some locations, more than one eye wash station needs to be available.
Constant Water Supply
An eye wash station should provide a steady and full stream of water. This stream needs to run for at least 15 minutes, more ideally, 20 minutes. It is important to note that an eye wash station that provides a steady and full stream of water is different than a power wash station. Power wash stations provide a powerful stream of water for the entire body. The strength of the water pressure in this type of wash station can lead to even more eye damage if used as an eye wash station.
Easily Turned On
Another requirement for an eye wash station is an easy on-off switch. If the injured person has to fumble to turn the station on, this can waste time and have dire consequences on eye sight. The station should be able to be turned on within a second.
No Need for Hands
The station should function while keeping the user's hands free. It should not need any hands to operate it, nor should it have a reset button that needs to be pushed repeatedly in order to keep the water running.
Faucets That Point Upward
A properly equipped eye wash station is able to deliver a stream of water from a faucet that points upward. This allows the person to put their eyes directly above the stream of water, allowing it to hit their eyes and drain back into the washing unit. If the faucet is pointing downwards, the person then has to tip his head under it, not only causing strain on the back and neck, but also creating more potential harm. This can come from now-contaminated water running down the side of the face and forehead, causing further chemical damage to the surrounding skin.
A Clear Pathway
An eye wash station needs to be easily accessible and the pathway leading to it should not be obstructed.
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