Plumbed eyewash stations utilize your building plumbing to obtain a steady supply of water but can be more costly and require additional maintenance than standalone models.
For optimal water heating performance, a thermostatic mixing valve must be used to keep both hot and cold water within an ANSI-compliant temperature range of 60-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, you should conduct weekly checks of this unit to make sure its water remains flowing freely and uncontaminated.
Portable
Plumbed eyewash stations connect directly to your facility’s hot and cold water lines as well as drainage, ready for deployment with just the push of a lever, providing sufficient flow time as per ANSI Z358.1 guidelines.
They require a dedicated plumbing line for flushing fluid to be supplied and must be regularly drained and filled with potable water, with some manufacturers adding a sterile preservative to their fluid. Containers may even include inspection tags so you can keep track of when it was drained and when it was filled back up. Most plumbed eyewash stations must also be activated regularly in order to make sure there is sufficient water flow, and cleanliness is being met.
Consider installing a portable eyewash station for areas that utilize chemicals and hazardous materials. These self-contained units are easier to manage than plumbed eyewash stations, providing more flexible solutions tailored to meet workplace needs. They’re built to be moved at any moment without any access to water and can even be used in tight spaces like work vehicles and storage rooms without access to running water supplies. Some ANSI-compliant emergency response products even feature heating devices to prevent the rinsing fluid from becoming too cold or freezing during extreme temperature changes – making these self-contained units an attractive addition in workplace settings where water access might not be available or unavailable compared with plumbed eyewash stations that need regular maintenance while offering greater workplace flexibility than both solutions.
Self-Contained
Eyewash stations provide workers with instantaneous relief in the event of eye injuries, meeting ANSI regulations for minimum 15-minute activation times. Once activated, these units connect directly to your plumbing system and deliver continuous water for 15 minutes when activated by simply pushing an activation lever that should be easily operated with one hand. Dust covers will pop open as two eyewash nozzles begin releasing water, all from one convenient unit!
Emergency eyewashes also come in portable units that use potable water stored in a storage tank made of lightweight and durable high-density polyethylene material, typically featuring dual flush nozzles for distribution of flushing solution from within its depths.
These units often come equipped with a sterile preservative to keep water fresh, and the manufacturer will provide instructions on its usage. No matter which eyewash station you opt for, it is recommended that regular inspections be conducted of each station to make sure there is enough fluid present and free from sediment buildup. Furthermore, someone in your workplace should be responsible for activating it on an ongoing basis to help ensure adequate flushing fluid to reduce bacterial contamination.
Easy to Operate
Plumbed eyewash stations connect directly to existing hot and cold water and drainage lines at any facility and comply with ANSI Z358.1 standards; they are always ready for use with just a push of a lever. Each unit features a thermostatic mixing valve to maintain fluid temperatures between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 degrees Fahrenheit and dust covers that can be removed via an activation handle – they can even be installed either wall- or table-mounted for hands-free operation!
As soon as an employee becomes contaminated, they should head immediately toward an eyewash station for treatment. Water should run for at least 15 minutes to flush away contaminants. Accessibility must also be easy – with clear paths leading directly there from every direction; additionally, it must be placed at a height that allows employees of various heights to reach it easily.
All staff should receive instruction on the use and operation of plumbed eyewash stations. Furthermore, it is advisable to implement a documented maintenance program to ensure its proper working condition – this should include weekly checks of its functionality as well as cleaning out bowls and removing dust covers from nozzles to prevent contamination. Be sure to include this plan within your company safety policy or post it so that all employees can find it easily.
Easy to Maintain
If your employees are working in areas exposed to chemicals, installing a plumbed station might make sense; however, remember that other solutions, such as an eyewash unit with built-in self-sanitization capabilities, could be more cost-efficient and portable.
These devices contain a reservoir filled with water that is kept sterile through preservative use and can easily be moved around your facility to be situated in areas that pose potential danger.
Eyewash units must be regularly drained and refilled as the fluid they contain is non-potable water. Furthermore, according to ANSI Z358.1 specifications, they should also be activated weekly as this ensures their proper function and flushes out any bacteria or dirt that has collected over time from within their pipes.
Review the safety data sheets of chemicals your employees work with in order to determine if more than just one emergency eyewash station is required. In many instances, the SDS sheet will state that workers should have a shower or eyewash equipment within 10 seconds or 55 feet from where the hazardous chemical is used.
