Making Eye-Wash Supplies Easy to Access in a Workshop or Workplace
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Making Eye-Wash Supplies Easy to Access in a Workshop or Workplace
Eye injuries can happen quickly in workshops, warehouses, construction areas and other workplaces. Dust, metal fragments, wood shavings, liquids and chemicals may enter the eye during routine tasks. A fast response can help remove loose material before further help is available.
That response depends on more than having eyewash supplies somewhere on site. Workers need to know where the supplies are, how to use them and whether they are ready for use.
This guide explains how to make eye-wash supplies easy to access in a workshop or workplace.
Important: Eyewash supplies are for first aid and emergency irrigation. They are not a substitute for medical attention. Follow the product directions and your workplace first-aid procedures. Seek medical advice after an eye injury, particularly after a chemical splash, penetrating injury or ongoing pain or vision change.
Why access matters
When something enters the eye, people may instinctively rub it. This can make the situation worse, particularly if the material is sharp or abrasive. A nearby eyewash supply gives the worker a practical option for flushing the eye without delay.
A long walk to a first-aid room, an item stored in a locked cupboard or a station hidden behind equipment can slow the response. In an emergency, workers may also be wearing gloves, eye protection or other personal protective equipment. Supplies should be simple to find and operate.
Good access means:
- The eyewash is close to areas where eye hazards are present.
- The route is clear and does not require keys or special access.
- Signs or labels make the location obvious.
- Workers know how to start flushing.
- The equipment is checked and maintained.
Start with a workplace hazard check
Before choosing an eyewash setup, review the tasks and materials used in each area. Consider both normal work and less common events, such as a leaking container, a burst hose or a tool failure.
Look for hazards including:
- Dust and airborne particles from cutting, grinding or sanding.
- Metal fragments from drilling, machining or fabrication.
- Wood chips and sawdust.
- Cement, mortar and other construction materials.
- Cleaning products, solvents and workshop chemicals.
- Battery fluids or other corrosive substances.
- Oils, greases and liquids that may irritate the eye.
Check the safety data sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals. The SDS may include first-aid information and specific instructions for exposure. A workplace risk assessment should guide the type and location of emergency equipment.
If a task involves a serious chemical hazard, an eyewash unit may be only one part of the required control measures. Safe chemical storage, suitable personal protective equipment, training, ventilation and emergency procedures also matter.
Choose the right type of eyewash supply
Different workplaces may need different arrangements. The most suitable option depends on the hazard, the size and layout of the site, access to plumbing, the number of workers and the likely need for extended flushing.
Single-use eyewash ampoules
Small, sealed ampoules can be useful in first-aid kits, vehicles, tool stores and mobile work areas. They are easy to carry and can provide a quick supply for flushing or cleaning when clean running water is not immediately available.
The Saline Eyewash Ampoules 15ml – Emergency Eye Wash Pods (250 Pack) contain sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution in single-use ampoules. Their twist-off design and compact size support quick access in mobile or distributed first-aid locations.
These ampoules may suit workplaces that need supplies across several work zones. For example, a supervisor could place them in a workshop first-aid kit, a site vehicle and a kit used for maintenance work. Store them where workers can reach them without searching through unrelated equipment.
They should not be treated as a reason to delay proper medical care. A small ampoule may also not be suitable for every exposure or flushing requirement. Follow the label and workplace procedures.
Gravity-fed eyewash stations
A larger station may be more suitable where a workplace needs a dedicated point for eye irrigation and does not have suitable mains plumbing. It can provide a visible location for workers to reach during an emergency.
The Gravity Eyewash Station 30L – Emergency Eye Wash Unit for Workplace Safety has a 30-litre reservoir, twin spray outlets and a wall-mounting bracket. It is designed for areas such as workshops, warehouses, construction sites and remote work locations where a plumbing connection may not be available.
A larger unit still needs routine preparation, inspection and maintenance. Staff should understand how it operates and who is responsible for checking it. The unit should be positioned so that a worker can reach it quickly from the areas with the greatest eye risk.
Cabinet-mounted bottle stations
A cabinet-mounted station can make eyewash bottles visible and easy to locate. This may suit a workshop, laboratory, warehouse or other fixed work area where a clearly marked point is preferred.
The AEROWASH Drop Eyewash Station – Metal Cabinet with Perspex Front | 2 x 500mL Bottles | Emergency Eye Wash Solution includes a metal cabinet with a clear Perspex front and two 500ml bottles of sterile eyewash solution. The transparent front allows a visual check of the bottles without opening the cabinet.
A cabinet should not be placed where stored items, vehicles or machinery can block access. The front must also remain clear enough for workers to see the station and check its contents.
Place eyewash supplies where workers can reach them
Location is one of the most important parts of an eyewash plan. The supply should be close to the hazard, but it must not create another risk.
Consider these placement points:
- Install or store eyewash supplies on the normal route from the work area.
- Keep the path free from pallets, tools, cables and materials.
- Avoid locations that may be locked outside normal office hours.
- Keep supplies away from heat, direct sunlight, vehicles and splash hazards where appropriate.
- Position portable supplies at a consistent, known point.
- Consider workers who may be working alone or in a separate part of the site.
- Make sure the location is accessible while workers are wearing normal protective equipment.
Do not place an eyewash station behind the same hazard it is intended to address. For example, a station should not require a worker to walk through a chemical storage area after an exposure.
A workplace may need more than one eyewash point if the site is large, divided into separate zones or has several high-risk tasks. Your risk assessment should determine the number and placement of stations.
Make the location obvious
In an emergency, a worker may have reduced vision or be under stress. Clear identification helps them and their co-workers locate the supply quickly.
Use a consistent sign or label that can be seen from the main approach. Keep the area well lit. Do not cover the station with stock, clothing or other equipment.
It can help to use:
- A clear eyewash sign.
- High-visibility colours where suitable.
- Labels on first-aid kits and site maps.
- Directional signs at corners or intersections.
- A simple location reference in induction material.
The eyewash location should be included in site inductions and toolbox talks. New workers, contractors and visitors may not know the layout. Do not assume that people will remember the location after seeing it once.
Keep supplies ready for use
An eyewash station is only useful if it is available and in suitable condition. Assign responsibility for routine checks. The person responsible should know what to look for and what action to take if a problem is found.
A basic check may include:
- Confirming the station is in its marked location.
- Checking that access is clear.
- Looking for damaged bottles, caps, tubing, brackets or cabinets.
- Checking expiry dates and product condition.
- Confirming that single-use ampoules remain sealed.
- Checking the reservoir, outlets and other parts of a gravity-fed unit according to the instructions.
- Confirming required cleaning or additive procedures have been followed.
- Recording checks and replacing used or expired supplies.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for storage, preparation, cleaning and replacement. Do not use a solution if its packaging is damaged, the product is expired or its appearance does not meet the instructions.
A check should also take place after an incident. Replace anything that has been opened or used, even if the container is not empty. This helps ensure the station is ready for the next person.
Train workers in the response
Training does not need to be complicated. Workers should know the first steps before an incident occurs.
A workplace procedure may cover the following:
- Stop the task and move away from the hazard if it is safe to do so.
- Call for help and alert the supervisor or first-aid officer.
- Use the eyewash as directed. Start flushing promptly where appropriate.
- Do not rub the affected eye.
- Remove contact lenses if they come out easily during flushing. Do not delay flushing to remove them.
- Check the relevant SDS for chemical exposure instructions.
- Arrange medical assessment and follow emergency advice.
The correct response can depend on the substance and type of injury. A chemical splash, a sharp object or a high-speed fragment requires particular care. Do not try to remove an object that appears embedded in the eye. Seek urgent medical help.
For serious injuries or chemical exposures, call 000 when emergency assistance is needed. Contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice about suspected poisoning or chemical exposure, where appropriate. Workplace procedures and the SDS should also be followed.
Include eyewash access in site reviews
Eyewash access can change as a workplace changes. New machinery, stored materials, temporary work zones and chemical products may create new risks or block an existing station.
Review eyewash arrangements when:
- A new chemical or process is introduced.
- A workshop layout changes.
- Work moves to a new site or remote location.
- An incident or near miss occurs.
- Workers report difficulty finding or using the equipment.
- The workplace inspection identifies blocked access.
Ask workers practical questions. Can they point to the nearest eyewash supply? Can they reach it quickly from their usual task? Is the sign visible? Are the instructions clear? Their feedback can reveal problems that are not obvious from a paperwork review.
Build a simple eyewash plan
A practical plan does not need to be complex. Record the location of each supply, the hazards it supports, the person responsible for checks and the action to take after use.
For each work area, note:
- The main eye hazards.
- The eyewash equipment provided.
- The nearest alternative supply.
- The inspection frequency.
- Storage and cleaning requirements.
- The process for replacing used or expired items.
- Emergency contacts and escalation steps.
Review the plan with workers during induction and toolbox meetings. Keep a copy with the workplace first-aid and emergency information.
Final checklist
Use this checklist when reviewing eye-wash access in a workshop or workplace:
- [ ] Eye hazards have been identified.
- [ ] Eyewash supplies are close to higher-risk work areas.
- [ ] Access routes are clear.
- [ ] Stations and kits are clearly marked.
- [ ] Workers know how to use the supplies.
- [ ] Chemical SDS information is available.
- [ ] Products are within expiry dates and packaging is intact.
- [ ] Larger stations are prepared and maintained as directed.
- [ ] Used supplies are replaced promptly.
- [ ] The arrangement is reviewed after changes or incidents.
Making eye-wash supplies easy to access in a workshop or workplace is a combination of planning, clear placement, worker training and regular checks. Choose equipment that suits the hazards and layout of the site, then make sure workers can find it when they need it. Eyewash supplies support first aid, but they should always form part of a wider workplace safety and emergency response plan.