Emergency washing facilities are required where there is a potential of eye or body exposure to corrosives, strong irritants, or toxic chemicals. Emergency washing facilities must be readily available and accessible.
Strong irritants cause a strong temporary inflammatory effect on tissue at the site of contact.
Toxic chemicals produce a serious injury or illness by absorption through any body surface. Eyewash stations shall be designed to provide enough room to allow the eyelids to be held open with the hands while the eyes are in the stream of water. The eyewash must irrigate and flush both eyes simultaneously while the operator holds they eyes open. Prompt medical attention is important regardless of the severity of the injury. Chemical splashes may impair vision, so laboratory workers should memorize the location of all eyewash stations in their area.