If a hazardous chemical is splashed into the eyes, vision could be impaired. Healthcare employees who use hazardous chemicals in their work should be very familiar with the path to the eyewash station from their work area, ensuring that the eyewash can be reached quickly and without obstruction. It is recommended for your facility to provide eyewash stations in areas where exposure risks exist, for example, areas where chemotherapy drugs are prepared or administered, where there is a risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure, or in housekeeping areas, to name a few.
It is paramount to learn how to properly operate an eyewash, in the event of an emergency where utilizing one is necessary. To begin, you will activate the eyewash, hold your eyelids open and roll your eyeballs so fluid will flow on all surfaces of the eye and under the eyelid. Continue this for at least 15 minutes under a steady flow of tepid water. Tepid water is defined to be water between 60°F (16°C) and 100°F (38°C).
