Home First Aid For Eyes

First Aid For Eyes

First aid essentials for the treatment of eye injuries.

Fully stocked eyewash stations ensure first aid treatment for eyes is readily available when it is needed most. Eyewash refill bottles and eyewash pods are available separately to maintain fully stocked first aid for eyes supplies

Why Should I Provide Eyewash on My Premises?

Workplace eye injuries can happen in seconds, and without immediate treatment, they can lead to serious, long-term damage.

Ensuring easy access to eyewash is not just good practice—it’s a legal requirement in many workplaces as part of the duty of care to provide adequate first aid on-site.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide suitable first aid, including eyewash where there’s a risk of eye injury or mains tap water not available. Businesses can fail HSE inspections if they lack adequate eyewash provisions, especially in environments handling chemicals, dust, or debris, or certain types of machinery.

Thousands of UK workers suffer eye injuries each year, often due to chemical splashes, dust, and most commonly, foreign objects entering or striking the eye.
Without rapid flushing and treatment, even minor exposure can lead to severe irritation, burns, or vision loss.
Immediate eyewash access reduces the severity of injuries and improves recovery outcomes.

Compensation payouts for eye injuries and complications resulting from them can run into tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds. Having adequate provision for rapid treatment, as well as other actions to mitigate the risk of injury are a simple and affordable way of helping to protect against this.

What Eyewash Do I Need To Provide?

The HSE position is clear:

"If mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, at least one litre of sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9% w/v) in sealed, disposable containers should be provided. Once the seal has been broken, containers should not be kept for reuse. Containers should not be used beyond their expiry date."

We recommend adding saline eyewash to existing first aid supplies, or adding portable eyewash kits or provision for the following reasons:

Can be installed in a wider range of locations for added convenience.
Pre-sealed saline containers stay sterile until opened, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance.
Saline solution is milder on the eyes and remains at room temperature for a more comfortable application.
Eyewash bottles are portable, allowing them to be taken directly to the injured person or transported with them to A&E.
Eyewash needs vary by workplace, so you can choose a station that fits your environment—whether wall-mounted, free-standing, equipped with a mirror and instructions, or stocked with individual eyewash pods.

Types of Eyewash Products Available

Having the right eyewash solution on hand ensures quick and effective treatment for eye injuries. Our extensive range of eyewash products feature 0.9% sterile saline eyewash in a range of formats. Saline solution is a sterile, isotonic solution that mimics natural tears, making it safe and gentle for flushing out contaminants. Note that it is not the same as contact lens solution, which also contains preservatives to clean and preserve contact lenses.

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Eyewash Pods

Small, single-use containers (typically 20ml) for minor eye contamination.
Ideal for quick rinsing of dust, dirt, or small particles.
Compact and easy to store in first aid kits or personal protective equipment (PPE).

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Eyewash Bottles

Larger than pods (usually 250ml–1L) for more thorough eye irrigation.
Portable and can be taken to the injured person.
Essential for workplaces where immediate flushing is needed but a plumbed eyewash station isn’t available.

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Eyewash Stations

Wall-mounted units containing multiple bottles for easy access in emergencies.
Often include a mirror and clear instructions for self-administration.
Ideal for high-risk environments like workshops, labs, and chemical handling areas.
These can also include eye pads and dressings for additional treatment options

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Eyewash Kits

A complete set including eyewash bottles, pods, dressings, and other essentials.
Designed for workplaces that need a ready-to-use solution for eye injuries.
Helps ensure compliance with workplace first aid regulations.
These can also include eye pads and dressings for additional treatment options

Choosing the right eyewash product depends on your workplace risks and the need for portability. Always ensure eyewash supplies are easily and immediately accessible where hazards are located, are well maintained, and within expiry dates. Most premises will require eyewash supplies to be available in more than one place.

Types Of Eye Injury

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns to the eye can cause anything from mild irritation to permanent vision loss. The key to reducing damage is immediate and thorough flushing.

Wear disposable gloves if available and go to the nearest eyewash station.
Flush the eye for at least 20 minutes, ensuring all areas are rinsed. Turn the eye in different directions while holding it open. Be careful not to splash the other eye.
Remove contact lenses during rinsing if applicable.
Cover the eye with a sterile eye pad or non-fluffy dressing.
Call 999 immediately. If possible, bring the chemical label and eyewash bottle to help emergency responders assess the situation. Continue rinsing until medical help arrives.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

Dust, sand, wood splinters, or metal fragments can enter the eye, causing irritation or, in severe cases, cuts or embedded debris. Most small particles can be flushed out, but sharp objects require extra care.

Do not rub the eye—this can worsen the injury.
Examine the eye under good lighting. Hold it open and have the person move their eye up, down, and side to side.
Flush the eye using eyewash, directing the flow outward to prevent further contamination. Encourage the person to move their eye while flushing.
If the object remains, try gently dabbing it with clean sterile gauze. Avoid this step if the object is sharp or deeply embedded.
Seek medical attention if the object cannot be easily removed, the eye remains irritated, or there is visible/obvious remaining injury.

Eye Wounds

Eye injuries, such as scratches, punctures, or impact bruising, should be treated seriously to prevent infection, scarring, or vision loss. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, monitor the eye for signs of redness, swelling, or prolonged discomfort.

Call 999 and follow the emergency operator’s instructions.
Keep the injured person still and lying on their back, supporting their head if needed.
Limit eye movement—even moving the unaffected eye can worsen the injury.
Cover the eye with a sterile eye pad or non-fluffy dressing. If an object is lodged in the eye, do not apply pressure—instead, protect the area with a plastic cup or similar shield.

Act Fast – quick and correct first aid can prevent further damage and improve recovery outcomes. Always ensure eyewash stations and first aid supplies are easily and immediately accessible in your workplace close to hazards. Seek professional medical attention promptly in addition to providing immediate and appropriate provisions.

Common Workplace Hazards Which Can Cause Eye Injuries

Chemical Exposure

Acids, alkalis, cleaning agents, and industrial chemicals can cause burns, irritation, or permanent damage if they come into contact with the eyes

Flying Debris & Particles

Metal shavings, wood splinters, glass, and dust from construction, manufacturing, and carpentry can scratch or embed in the eye

High-Pressure Liquids & Gases

Leaks, sprays, or accidental discharge of fuels, solvents, or compressed air can forcefully propel hazardous substances into the eyes

Radiation & Bright Light

Welding arcs, UV exposure, and laser equipment can cause burns and long-term eye damage

Impact Injuries

Blunt force trauma from falling tools, machinery, or collisions can cause bruising, bleeding, or serious structural damage to the eye

Prevention & Protection:

Ensure eyewash stations are available and easily accessible.
Use appropriate eye protection, such as safety goggles or face shields.
Implement safety training and hazard awareness for employees.
Maintain a clean and organised workspace to minimise risks.
Ensure appropriate safety signage and procedures are in place
Seek professional medical attention promptly if required

Where Should Eyewash Be Located?

High-Risk Areas

Install eyewash stations near chemical handling areas, workshops, laboratories, kitchens, and construction zones where exposure to hazardous substances or debris is likely

Within 10 Seconds Reach

It is recommended that eyewash facilities be no more than 10 seconds (or 15 metres) away from potential hazards

Clearly Marked & Unobstructed

Stations should be highly visible, with clear signage, and kept free from obstacles for immediate use in an emergency

Near, But Not Too Close to Hazards

Position eyewash facilities close enough for fast access but away from contaminated areas where spills or splashes could worsen exposure

Multiple Locations for Large Workspaces

If employees work across multiple areas or large sites, install several eyewash stations to ensure fast access from any location

Outdoor & Remote Worksites

Use portable eyewash bottles for fieldwork, construction sites, or any environment where fixed stations are impractical

Cleaning, Maintenance and Inspection Of Eyewash

Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure eyewash stations are fully functional when needed. A poorly maintained station can be as ineffective or worse than having no station at all. Poorly kept stations and expired eyewash are the two most common reasons for failing HSE inspections.

Eyewash Signage Requirements

Eyewash stations must be clearly marked with highly visible and compliant signage
Proper signage helps staff quickly locate eyewash facilities in an emergency
Ensure signs are positioned at eye level and remain unobstructed

Eyewash Station Maintenance

Regular maintenance prevents failures during emergencies
Keep eyewash solution in-date and replace bottles as required
Ensure the station is securely installed and accessible at all times

Eyewash Station Cleaning

Portable eyewash stations should be dust-free to prevent contamination. Wipe down bottles and station surfaces regularly. This is often a key failure on inspections

A routine inspection should be conducted weekly to confirm:

Portable stations or kits have sufficient sealed, in-date bottles, with no leaks or damage
The area is well-lit and unobstructed for easy access
Signage is visible and correctly placed

Regular cleaning, inspections, and proper signage ensure eyewash stations remain effective and compliant, protecting employees from serious eye injuries.