Eyewash is a first aid product used at either eyewash stations or in first aid kits. It is a cleanser used specifically for the eyes when an injury involves harmful acidic or alkaline substances or particles trapped in the eyes. The eyewash flushes out these particles or substances before they can cause more damage or irritation to the eyes. The primary purpose of this item is to clean the eyes of harmful substances. Still, it can also be used as a pain or irritation reliever to eliminate dried mucus or discharge from the eyes.
What is in Eyewash Solutions?
A large portion of the items you'll find at the pharmacy is around 100% cleaned water. In any case, they can have modest quantities of different ingredients, including the following measures of salt and boric acid.
Boric acid is a compound that can battle microscopic organisms and different microbes. In certain structures, it can harm your eye and bother your skin. In any case, the degrees of boric acid in eyewash arrangements are extremely low. As long as you follow the instructions given on the packaging, these products are safe to use.
Many recipes or home remedies online will show you how to make eyewash at home with just water and salt. These DIY options are not always safe, even though they might seem very simple. According to research, bacteria start forming within 24 hours in the solutions made at home. Therefore, buying products from a pharmacy or other registered company is always better.
Types of Eyewash Stations
There are commonly two types of eyewash stations known as plumbed and portable.
Plumbed Eyewash Stations
These stations are installed directly into the water supply of a building. This eyewash station is often connected to a standard sink as a faucet adaption. They are capable of delivering a large and continuous stream of water.
However, this type of eyewash is not the ideal type preferred by many businesses because of its cost of installation and maintenance and its impracticality. This is because they are not easy to move and need a professional person to re-establish the stream of water. This can be a huge problem if the injured person cannot reach home on time. Plumbed eyewash also needs regular maintenance to ensure that the water stream is clean and will not infect the eyes with other bacteria.
Another drawback of plumbed eyewash station is that it uses tap water and cannot guarantee tap water temperature. The water may be too hot or too cold for the eyes to withstand.
Portable Eyewash Stations
A portable eyewash station can be installed in any place that is required. It does not need to be connected to the building's water supply because it contains its supply of eye solutions.
This is the most preferred eyewash station at workplaces because of its portability and benefits. Portable eyewashes can be easily moved or refilled and re-installed however required. This benefits the injured person because if they cannot move to the station, you can bring it to them. This is even more beneficial for disabled people in the workplace.
Portable eyewashes are always kept at room temperature, which reduces the chances of a hot or cold-water aversion reaction.
