Two Types of Portable EyeWash Stations

In some situations, it is better to use a portable eye wash station than a plumbed station.  This occurs when plumbing or a reliable water source isn't available. This is when portable eyewash stations are the perfect solution, combining safe environment with compliance to health standards. Portable stations also are great for use in safety and rescue vehicles, and for taking to accident scenes.

Portable eye wash stations come in two types. The first is a gravity-fed or gravity flow type, where water flows downward by means of a tank higher than the nozzles and thus the volume of water pushes the flow downward.  Gravity-fed or gravity flow units are easily mounted on walls and sometimes wheeled around on cart for mobility.  Most gravity-fed eye wash stations emit the standard three gallons per minute and are capable of running uninterrupted for at least 15 minutes.

The other type of portable eye wash stations consists of a pressurized tank connected to standard drench nozzles or a drench hose. These units are extremely portable, and very useful for immediate operation in any environment. However, they often do not produce a shower strong enough or long enough to fit with ANSI standards, and as such, should not be used as a primary emergency eye wash station but only as a secondary station.

Eyewash solution is also available in a bottle or a wall mount station type, usually in one bottle or two bottle configurations. These personal eye wash products, while practical for some applications, may not be suitable for more hazardous use. People who are regularly exposed to hazardous materials should also always be trained in the proper use of all safety products, including eye wash stations, face wash stations, hand wash stations, and drench showers.