Work areas and operations that may require these devices include:

• Battery charging areas
• Laboratories
• Spraying operations
• High dust areas
• Dipping operations
• Product dispensing areas

When Safety Data Sheets (SDS) indicate the need for emergency eyewash, a primary station is required. Reference Section 4 of any chemical’s SDS to determine if you need an eyewash station.

• Note: Since there is no Canadian standard for emergency showers and eyewash stations, the U.S. American National Standards Institute Standard Z358.1-2014 (R2020) was used. Review this information source.
• ANSI Z358.1-2014 (R2020) “Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment” is generally used as a guide. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the unit. For most provinces, aligning with this ANSI standard is a practical, reliable way to help support safety across your facilities.
• Consult your local occupational health and safety agency in your jurisdiction and check relevant legislation for any requirements to install this equipment. To find the standard for your province, review this information source.

• Where strong acids or caustics are being handled, emergency eyewash units should be located adjacent to the hazardous materials.
• ANSI standard states units must be accessible within 10 seconds. “Be in accessible locations that require no more than 10 seconds to reach. The eyewash shall be located on the same level as the hazard and the path of travel shall be free of obstructions that may inhibit its immediate use.”

• Water found in improperly maintained eyewash stations is more likely to contain organisms (e.g., Acanthamoeba, Pseudomonas, Legionella) that thrive in stagnant or untreated water and are known to cause infections. When a worker uses an eyewash station that is not maintained, organisms in the water may come into contact with the eye and skin or may be inhaled. Workers using eyewash stations after exposure to a hazardous chemical or material may have eye injuries that make the eye more susceptible to infection. Also, workers with skin damage or compromised immune systems (e.g., transplant recovery, cancer, lupus) are at increased risk for developing illnesses from contaminated water. See OSHA info sheet.

• Eyewash stations should be designed to deliver fluid to both eyes simultaneously at a volume flow rate of not less than 1.5 litres/minute (0.4 gallons/minute) for 15 minutes. The combination eye and face wash stations require 11.4 litres per minute (3.0 gallons per minute). However, in either case, the flow should not be at a velocity which may injure the eyes. The unit should be between 83.8 and 134.6 cm (33 to 53 inches) from the floor and a minimum of 15.3 cm (6 inches) from the wall or nearest obstruction. Review the information source.

• Self-contained stations are filled with water and a preservative and do not require a direct water connection. They are designed to go almost anywhere, even when plumbing is not available.
• Plumbed eyewash stations are permanently connected to a building’s water supply, preparing this document providing a continuous flow of clean water for emergency eye flushing. They are ideal for fixed work environments with higher chemical or debris risks, as they are always ready for use and require less-frequent manual maintenance.
• The need for emergency showers or eyewash stations is based on the properties of the chemicals that workers use and the tasks that they do in the workplace. A job hazard analysis and risk assessment can provide an evaluation of the potential hazards of the job and the work areas. The selection of protection -- emergency shower, eyewash or both – should match the hazard.

• Eyewash bottles or personal eyewash units supplement plumbed and self- contained stations but in no way can replace them. They offer portability and quick flushing of contaminants or particles. Still, they’re difficult to manage when alone or when both eyes are affected. For example, holding eyelids open while using the bottle is awkward, one bottle can’t flush both eyes simultaneously and the short fluid supply may limit effective rinsing.
• The main purpose of a personal wash unit is to supply immediate flushing. Once accomplished, the user should proceed to a self-contained or plumbed eyewash and flush for the required 15 minutes.

• Studies have shown that despite a general minimum of 15-minute flushing time being recommended, users usually only flush exposed body parts for five minutes or less. The reasons were always related to the extreme discomfort users experienced using cold water. In cold climates, the water temperature in indoor plumbed systems can be in the 2-7°C (35-45°F) range.
• Be sure to maintain the equipment and provide tepid water for flushing. ANSI suggests a weekly activation to help reduce sediment and stagnant water issues.