Eye wash

Eye wash is a fluid, often saline, used to cleanse the eye to relieve irritation, stinging, or to remove foreign bodies or chemicals. Eye washes can be beneficial in numerous situations and are often found in laboratories, industrial settings, and healthcare facilities.

Types of Eye Wash

There are two primary types of eye wash: personal and plumbed.

Personal eye wash is often in the form of portable eye wash bottles. These are typically used in emergency situations when immediate flushing is needed.

Plumbed eye wash stations are permanently connected to a source of potable water. They are used in settings where hazardous chemicals are handled, such as laboratories and industrial workplaces.

Usage

Eye wash is used in a variety of situations, including:

• To flush out foreign bodies, such as dust or debris
• To relieve irritation or dryness
• To remove harmful chemicals following an accidental splash
• As part of first aid treatment for eye injuries

Safety Standards

In many countries, the installation and maintenance of eye wash stations are regulated by safety standards. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provide guidelines for eye wash stations in workplaces.

See Also

• First Aid
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• American National Standards Institute