Eye Washing Station Guidelines – Ask The Expert

Eye washing stations are an integral part of safety at work sites where employees may be handling hazardous substances and materials that could cause harm – but what is the standard for the water used in these eye washing stations?

Understanding the type of water supply your work site’s eye washing station should be hooked up to makes a huge difference in the health of your employees and should follow the guidelines outlined by your jurisdiction.

QUESTION

I am looking for some any additional information regarding Eye Wash stations you can provide. My company recently tested the water at one of our buildings and it was determined that it exceeds the lead amount, making it not potable. Can we still use our plumbed eye wash station or are there stipulations in the Canada Labour Code or an ANSI standard that states the water has to be potable?

ANSWER

In Canada, while there isn’t a specific national standard for eyewash stations, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) references ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 as a guideline. The CCOHS emphasizes the importance of using potable water in eyewash stations to prevent additional harm during decontamination.

EXPLANATION

Given that your building’s water has lead levels exceeding safe limits, using it in plumbed eye wash stations would not comply with these standards and could pose health risks. It’s advisable to either treat the water to ensure its potability or use alternative solutions, such as self-contained eyewash stations with sterile saline or preserved water, to meet safety requirements.

Read more about emergency eyewash station laws in your province and understand our full compliance game plan to ensure you and your employees are attended to in case of an incident that requires these measures.