Eye Wash Stations
Your hotel should be equipped with eye wash stations to protect employees in case of chemical exposure or eye irritation. These stations are a critical safety device and may be required by law in areas where cleaning or maintenance chemicals are used.
There are two common types of eye wash stations you may see on property:
✅ Plumbed (sink-style) eye wash stations
✅ Bottle-style eye wash stations (portable or wall-mounted)
Both exist for the same purpose—to rinse chemicals or irritants from your eyes quickly and safely.
Why Eye Wash Stations Matter
If a chemical gets in your eyes, you have seconds to react. Serious eye damage can occur within 15–30 seconds. Eye wash stations allow you to flush out the chemical immediately and reduce the risk of permanent injury or vision loss.
Know the Location
You are responsible for knowing:
Where the nearest plumbed eye wash station is
Where any bottle-style eye wash kits are stored
That both types must be easy to access, clearly labeled, and unobstructed
👉 If you don’t know where they are—ask your trainer or supervisor today.
Types of Eye Wash Stations
✅ 1. Plumbed Eye Wash Station (Sink-Style)
These are permanently connected to a water supply and usually have two nozzles at a sink or dedicated station.
Advantages:
Provides continuous water flow
Meets OSHA/ANSI standard flushing time (15+ minutes)
Ideal for larger or more hazardous chemical areas
Best for: Serious or prolonged exposure.
✅ 2. Bottle-Style Eye Wash Station
These are portable or wall-mounted bottles filled with sterile saline solution.
Important to know:
These are NOT a substitute for a plumbed station.
They are considered emergency first response only.
They are used to start flushing immediately—especially when the plumbed station is more than 10 seconds away.
After using the bottle, you should continue flushing at a plumbed station for at least 15 minutes.
Best for: Quick initial rinse when time is critical.
When You May Need to Use an Eye Wash Station
Use an eye wash station right away if:
A chemical splashes or sprays into your eyes
You feel burning, stinging, redness, or irritation
Dust or debris enters your eyes
You aren’t sure if a substance is harmful - don’t take chances
Do not wait. Start flushing immediately.
How to Use an Eye Wash Station (Basic Steps)
If using a Plumbed (Sink-Style) Station:
Go straight to the station—do not delay.
Activate the water flow (it should stay on hands-free).
Hold your eyelids open with your fingers.
Flush both eyes for at least 15 minutes.
Roll your eyes around to rinse all surfaces.
Remove contact lenses while flushing.
Report the incident and seek medical attention if necessary.
If using a Bottle-Style Station:
Grab the bottle and start flushing immediately.
Squeeze or tip the bottle to direct solution into the eye.
Hold eyelids open while flushing.
After the bottle is empty, immediately go to a plumbed station and continue flushing for 15 minutes.
Report the incident and seek medical attention if needed.
Remember:
Bottle = Start flushing immediately
Plumbed station = Finish the full 15-minute flush
Reporting the incident = Required
Training Video
The video provided will show you how to correctly operate an eye wash station and what to do during an emergency. Even if you’ve never used one before, watching this video will ensure you’re prepared.
