If chemicals or other contaminants get into the eyes, it is imperative that the eyes be rinsed immediately. Eye problems that involve hazardous chemicals are especially severe. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, requires that emergency eye wash stations be available in both public and private businesses where toxic or corrosive materials are in use.
Significance
If the person who gets chemicals in his eyes is wearing contacts, have him or help him remove the lenses immediately. Get them to a sink or rinsing station. Keep in mind that people react to any foreign body, including chemicals, in the eyes by trying to keep the eyes closed tightly. However, this is counter-intuitive to washing eyes out and prevents water or rinsing solution from getting in.
Be sure to hold the eyelids open, using an index finger and thumb, to be sure rinsing solution gets in the entire eye area. Although uncomfortable, the eyelids must remain open during an emergency eye wash procedure.
Procedure
To avoid washing chemicals into the eyes, always wash from the outside edges of the eyes toward the inside of the eyes. Do not aim the water directly onto the eye; aim with an angle toward the base of the nose.
Time Frame
The minimum length of time to rinse the eyes is 15 minutes, according to Princeton University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Thoroughly flush the entire eye and eyelid with water or rinsing solution for at least 15 minutes. Have the person roll her eyes, looking up, down and to the sides while rinsing. Keep a moderate stream of water--not too hard or too light, with enough pressure to thoroughly rinse they eyes, but not too much force in the stream, to avoid damage. Test the stream on the palm of your hand or finger if you are unsure of the pressure.
Warning
Have another person call for medical attention, either 911 or on-site medical personnel if they exist. Do not wait to begin rinsing the eyes; rinse as soon as exposure happens and have someone else call for help. If no one else is available, call for help while rinsing. The quicker the eyes are rinsed, the better the chances for avoiding permanent damage or blindness, according to the University of Kentucky Environmental Health and Safety Department.
Considerations
It is a good idea to practice eye washing before an accident happens. While this may seem unnecessary or awkward, having the knowledge of how to rinse eyes before an actual emergency occurs is invaluable. Practice makes it easier to react quickly and properly during an emergency situation.
If a person is alone and gets chemicals in his eyes, he should follow the same procedures to rinse his own eyes immediately.
Follow up any accident or chemical exposure to the eyes with an exam by an eye care specialist, such as an ophthalmologist, to make sure the eyes are undamaged or do not require any further medical treatment.
