Whatever the location, all the plumbed-in and self-contained (portable) eye/face washes are designed to be quick and simple to operate. This extensive range is intended for indoor use but may, where practical, be located outdoors in warmer climates.
There are various options to suit all environments: open or closed bowl, plastic or stainless steel and powder coated - perfect for the laboratory. Whether you need wall, pedestal, table or bench mounted eye/face washes there is a model to fit your requirements.
For locations that are unsuitable for fixed installations, the portable units enable rapid response and should be used as a secondary safety measure to supplement plumbed in eye/face wash units.
To start selecting the appropriate eye and face wash equipment, you need to begin by identifying potential hazards in your work facilities. The type of eyewash station, face wash station or safety showers you choose should be based on the type and level of exposure workers may experience to hazards and how many workers may be affected. Some of these hazards include dusty conditions, flammable materials and hazardous chemicals.
An easy way to understand what you need is to know what each station is used for and how it functions.
Emergency Eyewash Stations:
- They are effective for spills, splashes, debris or dust that may affect only the eyes.
- They must be able to offer employees a controlled flow of water to both eyes at the same time.
- They must be able to deliver an uninterrupted 15-minute supply of tepid water.
- If plumbed, the units must be able to supply between 7.5-19.0 litres per minute.
Emergency Eyewash and Face Washes Combined:
- These units are used when the whole face is at risk from debris, dust, spills or splashes.
- They can irrigate the face and eyes at the same time.
- They can provide a large distribution pattern of water to rinse the entire face properly.
How to Remain Compliant:
Every Australian workplace must keep their workers and the environment safe as per Australian standards, so this means remaining as compliant as possible. To help you understand the compliance needs for eye and face washes, Spill Station can offer audits to keep your workplace as safe as possible.
Place the Safety Equipment Appropriately:
Emergency eyewash equipment, whether portable or plumbed, needs to be available for immediate use. It should take no longer than ten seconds for an affected worker to find and reach the nearest eye wash or face wash station.
In order to facilitate this ease of location, the area needs to be well-lit without any obstructions going to and from the device. It should also be well signed so even visitors to your workplace don’t miss it.
The Flushing Fluid Temperature:
To flush the area without causing any irritation, the flushing fluid should be the right temperature, and not be affected by extreme heat or extreme colds. This means tepid water is the best option, and below 38 degrees Celsius is preferred.
If piping is likely to be exposed to extreme weather, insulated units are available at Spill Station, and these can help you remain compliant, and more importantly, keep your workplace safe. To determine if you need these insulated units, a workplace audit will help you make the right decision.
Perform Routine Maintenance:
The safety unit has to be activated each week if it is plumbed. Any internal face or eye wash strainers should also be cleaned weekly. The supply line must be kept clear of sediment that may build up over time and minimise microbial contamination due to the sitting water.
On top of this weekly activation, the unit should be inspected once a year by a qualified technician.
Even if you use a portable, self-contained eyewash station, it must also be tested weekly to ensure it is remaining uncontaminated.