How to Use an Eyewash Station
Many types of industries use, store and transport chemicals and hazardous substances. When accidents occur, these substances may come into contact with your body, face or eyes. If a chemical or substance enters your eyes, take immediate action.
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Instructions
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Know the location of your company's eyewash stations. Since your only need of an eyewash station will be during an emergency, you should be familiar with their location to avoid any delay in receiving treatment.
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Lean forward and put your face close to the eyewash station. Get your face and eyes in the proper location. Once the water flow begins, you will be able to make adjustments to your position, so for now just get as close as possible.
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Activate the water. Different eyewash stations will be activated in different manners. Some will have a lever you will depress or pull up. Other will be automatically activated when you remove the covers from the eyewash portals. This is why becoming familiar with the eyewash station ahead of time is beneficial.
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Hold your eyes open. Using your thumb and forefinger, open your eyes as far as possible. Lean forward until the water flow is directly on your eyes. Keep your eyes open and your head steady.
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Remain calm. In most instances you will want to keep your eyes in the water flow for 15 minutes. This is a long time to hold your eyes open with water rushing into them, but it is critical you remain as long as possible, or the full 15 minutes. In almost all cases, seek medical attention immediately following the use of an eyewash station.
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Tips & Warnings
Being prepared is critical in any emergency. Know where the eyewash stations are and how to use them before the emergency happens.
If at all possible, let someone know you are going to the station, so you can receive assistance, if needed. Do not go out of your way to do this. Every second counts in an emergency of this type.
