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OSHA requires eyewashes be provided in the workplace wherever workers' eyes may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials (for instance, battery charging areas or areas where batteries are ... View Moreserviced and film processing labs or other labs where corrosive chemicals are handled). Corrosive materials, as defined by OSHA, are chemicals that "cause visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact." CriticalTool stocks a full line of eyewash and eyewash stations from Fend-All and North, the industry leaders in eyewash products. Take advantage of our low prices and free shipping offer and save!

There are three basic types of eyewash eyewash equipment: plumbed, self-contained, and personal eyewash stations.

Plumbed eyewash stations get tap water from the pipes connected to your facility's water supply. Types of plumbed units include those that attach to sink faucets, stand-alone or wall-mount bowl units, and those that are used in combination with a drench shower. The benefit of a plumbed unit is that, while it needs to be activated at least once weekly, it doesn't require monitoring for an expiration date and does not have to be refilled after use.

If plumbing is not readily available or the job site is mobile, than eyewash facilities can be provided with a self-contained unit. There are basically two types of self-contained eyewash stations. The first uses tap water mixed with a preservative to reduce the potential for bacterial growth. This type of station generally requires that it be cleaned and refilled every six months. The second kind of self-contained unit utilizes sealed cartridges containing purified water or saline solution rather than tap water. These types of self-contained units generally have a 24-month shelf life. When the end of the shelf life has been reached, the cartridges are removed and replaced with new ones. The benefits of self-contained units are that they don't require plumbing, can be moved to a new location far more easily than plumbed units, and don't require weekly activation.

A third type of eyewash equipment is personal eyewash equipment like squeeze bottles. This type of eyewash can be used to support eyewash stations (but should not be used in lieu of one). A squeeze bottle eyewash can be a useful tool in allowing for initial, immediate flushing of the eyes when kept near a hazardous area, buying time and making it easier for the person to get to the eyewash.

To learn more eye wash regulations and the correct use and placement of eye wash products please read our articles below:

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