Role and configuration of eyewash stations

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​Role and scope

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An ​eyewash station​ is an emergency first-aid device used when ​hazardous substances​ (e.g., chemical liquids) splash onto the ​body, face, or eyes, or when ​clothing ignites​ during a fire, to quickly reduce harm. It provides immediate ​decontamination​ to minimize injury and buy time before seeking medical care; it is not a substitute for professional treatment. Such equipment has been widely used since the ​1980s​ in factories, laboratories, and hospitals across developed industrial countries (e.g., the ​United States, ​United Kingdom) and is increasingly adopted in workplaces across ​China.

​Core performance parameters​

• Activation and flow: the unit must deliver flow in ​≤1 second​ and continue for at least ​15 minutes​ without requiring the user to hold the valve open.
• Eye/face wash: simultaneous dual-nozzle flow of at least ​11.4 L/min; water jet height above nozzles ​100–300 mm; water quality should be ​potable​ or medically acceptable for eye irrigation.
• Emergency body shower: continuous flow of at least ​75.7 L/min​ for ​≥15 minutes; typical showerhead height ​2,080–2,440 mm; at ​1,520 mm​ above the floor, the spray pattern diameter should be at least ​510 mm.
• Water temperature: tepid water in the range ​16–38°C​ to avoid hypothermia or scalding and to encourage completing the full flush duration.
• Supply: connect to a ​continuous, potable water​ supply; valves should be ​hands-free​ once activated.

​Types and configurations​

• ​Combination unit: integrated ​shower + eyewash/face wash, floor-standing; suitable where both body and ocular exposure may occur.
• ​Eyewash station (stationary)​: eye/face wash only, floor-mounted; for localized splashes to eyes/face.
• ​Wall-mounted eyewash: eye/face wash only, mounted on a wall; space-saving in narrow areas.
• ​Bench-top/under-sink eyewash: mounted on a ​workbench​ or sink; typical for ​laboratories​ with smaller hazard radii.
• ​Emergency shower (shower-only)​: body drench only, floor-mounted; for clothing or widespread body contamination.
• ​Shower head (wall/ceiling-mounted)​: body drench only; quick overhead drenching.
• ​Corrosion‑resistant models: constructed from ​304 stainless steel​ with specialized surface treatment for resistance to ​chlorides, fluorides, sulfuric acid, and ​oxalic acid >50%​; suitable where aggressive chemicals are handled.
• ​Frost‑protection models:
  • ​Above‑ground auto‑drain anti‑freeze: inlet above grade; internal anti‑freeze device automatically drains the line.
  • ​Below‑grade auto‑drain anti‑freeze: inlet and anti‑freeze device below ​frost line; fully drains when idle.
  • ​Electric trace‑heating: uses ​electric trace tape​ to keep water above freezing; does not heat the delivered water.
• ​Electric‑heating eyewash/shower: heats the delivered flush water to maintain ​tepid​ conditions.
• ​Portable/self‑contained units: tank‑fed or bottled; for areas without a fixed water supply or where equipment must be ​relocated; limited capacity and typically used for immediate first rinsing en route to a plumbed unit.

​Placement, access, and maintenance​

• Placement: within ​10 seconds’ travel​ (typically ​≤15 m) of a hazard, on the ​same level, with an ​unobstructed path; keep the area ​clear​ and well‑lit; avoid ​doors into the path​ unless they swing away and stay open.
• Environment: install ​≥2 m​ away from non‑explosion‑proof electrical switches; do not install ​across floors/levels; connect to ​potable water.
• Operation: remove dust cover, push/pull the valve to start flow; keep eyes open and ​roll gaze​ to flush all surfaces; after use, close the valve and ​replace the dust cover.
• First aid: this is ​emergency first aid, not definitive treatment; seek ​prompt medical evaluation​ after any chemical exposure.
• Testing and upkeep: perform ​weekly​ function checks (activate for sufficient time to clear lines and verify flow), ​annual​ comprehensive inspection/maintenance, and keep ​usage and maintenance logs; for cold climates, verify ​anti‑freeze​ or ​trace‑heating​ systems.