Lockout/Tagout Solutions

Your Guide to Emergency Eyewash Stations

Protecting Eyes and Skin in the Workplace

In spaces where chemicals, dust, or debris are present, having a reliable eyewash station nearby is essential. The right workplace emergency equipment can make a critical difference when it matters.

This guide will walk you through the types of eyewash stations available, how to stay compliant with ANSI Z358.1 standards, and showcase trusted options from Hughes® and PIP Global’s Fendall line.

Hughes, PIP Global

Why Eyewash Stations Are Essential

Accidents can happen quickly. A sudden splash of a chemical or a burst of dust can cause serious eye injuries if not addressed immediately. Eyewash units provide a fast and effective way to flush out contaminants while minimizing damage.

Key benefits:

  • Immediate response to exposure
  • Helps meet safety compliance requirements (ANSI Z358.1)
  • Reassures workers in high-risk environments

Providing proper emergency eye and skin protection is a critical part of any workplace safety plan.


Understanding the ANSI Z358.1 Standard

In Canada, workplaces follow the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for emergency eyewash and shower equipment, ANSI Z358.1. This standard outlines the requirements for proper design, installation, performance, and maintenance to ensure workers can respond quickly in the event of exposure to hazardous substances.

Key requirements of ANSI Z358.1 include:

  • Location: The eyewash station must be located within 10 seconds (roughly 15 metres) of the potential hazard.
  • Flow rate: Eyewash stations must provide a minimum flow of 1.5 litres per minute for a minimum of 15 minutes.
  • Hands-free operation: Once activated, the unit must remain on without the use of hands.
  • Water temperature: Water should be tepid, ideally between 16°C and 38°C (60°F-100°F), to prevent thermal shock.
  • Accessibility: Pathways to the equipment must be free of obstructions and well-lit, with clear signage.
  • Maintenance: Emergency eyewash and shower equipment should be tested and activated weekly to ensure proper function and to flush the lines. The device should also be inspected annually.

Meeting ANSI Z358.1 not only helps ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations across Canada, but it also reinforces your commitment to workplace safety and employee well‑being.


Types of Eyewash Stations

1. Plumbed Eyewash Stations

These eyewash station solutions connect directly to your facility’s water supply and are typically installed in permanent, high‑risk locations.

  • Reliable and continuous water flow
  • Ideal for labs, production floors, and industrial environments
  • Fully compliant when correctly installed

2. Portable Eyewash Stations

Great for temporary work areas or spaces without plumbing, portable units are self-contained and easy to set up.

  • No plumbing required
  • Suitable for construction sites or mobile workstations
  • Available in gravity-fed and pressurized models

3. Secondary Emergency Eyewash Units

Providing immediate relief before reaching a primary eyewash station, these units offer added protection in high-risk areas.

  • Ideal for use alongside ANSI-compliant eyewash stations
  • Compact and easy to place near specific workstations
  • Available in squeeze bottle or wall-mounted formats

4. Combination Eyewash & Shower Units

For areas with both eye and body hazards, combo units offer a comprehensive emergency response.

  • Combines eyewash and full-body drench capability
  • Common in chemical plants and processing facilities
  • Meets both emergency shower and eyewash station standards

Top Industrial Eyewash Station Brands

Hughes® Emergency Eyewash Stations

Hughes® is known for high-performance emergency safety solutions built to handle tough conditions. Their equipment is durable, dependable, and ready for demanding environments.

Top Hughes® products include:

  • Plumbed, wall-mounted eyewash station
  • Tank-fed portable units
  • Combination shower and eyewash systems

PIP Global Fendall Eyewash Stations

PIP Global’s Fendall line focuses on innovation and ease of maintenance. Their eyewash stations are designed with user comfort and hygiene in mind, especially in portable applications.

Best-selling PIP Global units:

  • Fendall Pure Flow 1000 with no-spill saline cartridges
  • Fendall Porta Stream II gravity-fed eyewash station
  • Compact wall-mounted or freestanding units

Maintenance & Compliance Tips

Eyewash stations must be ready to use at a moment’s notice. Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring long‑term reliability.

Best practices include:

  • What type of equipment or energy source is being serviced?
  • How many people participate in maintenance tasks?
  • Is there a need for keyed-alike or master-keyed padlocks?
  • Are procedures communicated with signage and tags?

Talk to Our Safety Experts


FAQs About Eyewash Stations

How often should eyewash stations be tested?

Weekly testing is recommended by ANSI to ensure equipment is functioning properly and safely.

Is there a difference between tap water and saline in eyewash stations?

Yes. Buffered saline is pH-balanced and sterile, making it safer for eye flushing, especially in portable units.

Can portable eyewash stations be used outdoors in winter?

Some units are not rated for freezing temperatures. For cold environments, look for heated or insulated models designed for outdoor use.

Hughes® provides insulated covers that ensure a tepid water eyewash station.


Build a Safer Workplace Today

The right eyewash and safety shower station can stop serious injuries from hazardous products while meeting ANSI regulations. Stay safe and compliant with solutions from Hughes® and PIP Global Fendall.

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