Guide to Emergency Eyewash Equipment

Quality personal protective equipment, compliance with workplace safety regulations, and well-trained employees all contribute to a safe workplace environment with a reduced risk of injuries. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries can occur no matter how many precautions you take, so the appropriate equipment should be available at all times in case of an emergency. Proper emergency response equipment includes eyewash stations that help mitigate damage if the eye comes in contact with chemicals or other harmful contaminants. Read on to learn about the importance of emergency eyewash, safety risks in the workplace, and factors to consider when selecting eyewash.Importance of Emergency Eyewash: Even with the highest quality safety glasses and eye protection, eye injuries are still a common danger in the workplace. Chemicals and other harmful particles that reach the eye can cause serious damage to eyesight, and they can also lead to hefty costs that result from workers compensation, disability benefits and lost production time. Convenient access to emergency eyewash stations allows workers to properly wash their eyes immediately in order to remove any harmful contaminants and prevent serious injury.Assessing Safety Risks in the Workplace: Before choosing emergency eyewash stations for the workplace, it is important to assess and gain a clear understanding of the safety risks in the workplace. Each work environment has a unique layout and different risks associated with the job. Consider the types of materials handled regularly, how harmful the materials are, and the likeliness of an accident. Reducing the risk of eye injuries involves the right personal protective equipment, such as safety goggles and face masks, while preventing serious damage after an injury occurs requires the right emergency eyewash. By identifying all the possible risks within the workplace, you can find the most appropriate eyewash products and determine the best type, location and safety strategy.Factors to Consider: One of the main factors to consider when choosing emergency eyewash is the location and accessibility. Effective eyewash is useless if it is not readily accessible to workers at all times. Install eyewash stations nearby areas that are at high risk of eye injuries, and make sure the areas are well lit. Clearly visible signs can help workers identify the station easily. Be sure that the area is free of additional potential hazards, such as slippery floors or protruding wall fixtures that can lead to even further injury. Training workers is also an important factor, making sure that employees understand how and when to use eyewash properly. Once an eyewash station has been installed, regular maintenance is crucial to keeping workers safe.