Eyewash is a fluid, commonly saline, used to physically wash the eyes in the case that they may be contaminated by foreign materials or substances. Eyewashes may be beneficial to those with sensitive eyes and can provide relief to the painful side effects of sensitivity. However, prolonged usage of such products will cause mild

side effects In medicine, a side effect is an effect of the use of a medicinal drug or other treatment, usually adverse but sometimes beneficial, that is unintended. Herbal and traditional medicines also have side effects. A drug or procedure usually used ...

, such as the reddening of the eye and/or pupil and cause itchiness.

Occupational safety

In the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

, the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA; ) is a regulatory agency of the United States Department of Labor that originally had federal visitorial powers to inspect and examine workplaces. The United States Congress established ...

(OSHA) was created as a result of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The law was created to help further protect employee safety while providing "safe & healthful working conditions." OSHA's primary eyewash standard, 29 CFR 1910.151 states, "where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use." These suitable facilities include fixed-point eye wash stations (which are especially recommended for risk of chemical burns to eyes) and emergency eye wash stations. OSHA provides additional regulations for battery charging stations in 29 CFR 1926.441(a)(6) "Facilities for quick drenching of the eyes and body shall be provided within 25 feet (7.62 m) of battery handling areas." Compliance with eyewash stations regulations is a component of OSHA inspections.

Eyewash in the workplace

Eye wash stations and deluge showers must contain the following: * Pure, clean water. * The ability to operate the units without the use of hands. * Constant water flow for a period of 15 minutes. * Unobstructed access. * Highly visible signs and markings.

References

Eye care {{eye-stub