Eyes on the prize

We speak to Tom Kamp Eriksen – area sales manager for international first aid, eyewash and decontamination solutions supplier Plum Safety – about the ins and outs of cleaning the windows to your soul in an emergency.

According to the experts, eyewash solutions have evolved significantly over the years, primarily with a focus on improving safety, efficacy, and accessibility in emergency situations. Some key developments include:

Composition: Early eyewash solutions were often simply water or saline solution. Over time, formulations have included buffered saline to match the body’s pH, reducing irritation.

Convenience: Innovations have led to the development of portable eyewash stations and personal eyewash bottles. These facilitate easy access in workplaces, laboratories, and industrial settings, ensuring immediate response to eye injuries.

Regulatory standards: Increased regulatory requirements – such as those from the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) in the EU, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in the US – have prompted improvements in eyewash solutions to ensure they meet safety standards. This includes clear labelling and guidelines.

User education: There has been a focus on training and educating users about the importance of eyewash stations and proper usage, leading to better preparedness in emergency situations.

Research and development: Ongoing research into eye injuries has influenced the formulation of eyewash solutions, with a focus on improving outcomes after exposure to hazardous substances.

These advancements all reflect a broader commitment to workplace health and safety (H&S), responding to the needs of consumers and industries while adhering to best practices in safety protocols. 

In what ways are eyewash solutions vital to corporate safety protocols, and why should businesses prioritise them?

Eyewash solutions and products are essential for several key reasons. Firstly, they provide immediate counteraction for the eyes in case of exposure to hazardous substances, helping to quickly flush out irritants, chemicals, or foreign objects.

Quick access to proper eyewash facilities can also significantly reduce the severity of eye injuries and the risk of permanent damage, ultimately protecting employee health and well-being. Through prompt decontamination, companies can also lower their medical costs associated with treatments, workers’ compensation claims, and potential litigation.

Furthermore, providing eyewash solutions enhances workplace safety culture, fostering a safety-first mindset within the organisation and emphasising the importance of employee care and proactive safety measures. A company that prioritises H&S demonstrates corporate responsibility, which can protect and enhance its reputation among customers, stakeholders, and the community.

In summary, using eyewash solutions is essential not only for immediate eye safety but also for fostering a safe work environment, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting both employees and the organisation.

What should companies consider when purchasing eyewash solutions?

There are various factors that can ensure companies select the most appropriate products for their needs.

One should ensure that the eyewash solutions meet relevant safety regulations and standards, which outline requirements for eyewash stations. Evaluate the specific types of hazardous materials or chemicals present in the workplace and choose eyewash solutions that are effective for the contaminants employees may encounter. When choosing solutions, consider their formulation (such as, for example, phosphate buffered or a sodium chloride solution).  

Assess the delivery mechanism of the eyewash station: whether it’s a plumbed station, portable bottles, or wall-mounted units. The choice may depend on budget, as well as on the layout of the facility and accessibility needs.

It is always important to check the shelf life and storage requirements of eyewash solutions. Check that products are easy to store and monitor for expiration to ensure sterility. One should also evaluate how easy it is to maintain the eyewash stations. Regular checks are essential to ensure they are functional and accessible in an emergency.

Employees must be trained in the proper use of the eyewash stations. One should also consider placing clear signage to show their location and instructions to facilitate quick access during an emergency.

While cost should be a consideration, it’s important to balance price with quality and efficacy. Investing in higher-quality eyewash solutions with ergonomic eyecups can reduce long-term risks and costs associated with injuries. One should also always research the reputation of the manufacturer. Look for products from reputable companies known for reliability and quality in safety equipment.

By carefully considering these factors, companies can make informed decisions that enhance workplace safety and effectively protect their employees from potential eye injuries.

How do Plum Safety’s eyewash systems align with international safety standards, and what assurances does the company offer to organisations?

Plum products are approved for, and comply with, the highest standards and regulatory requirements within the industry, such as the EU’s MDR, standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and European Standards. 

In emergency situations, where time is critical, how do Plum Safety’s eyewash solutions ensure a swift and effective response to eye injuries?

If an accident occurs, rapid access to effective eyewash may limit the extent of the damage. Plum Eyewash solutions are both easy to access and quick to apply. This goes both for our standard Plum Eyewash 0.9% Sodium Chloride solution and for Plum Eyewash pH Neutral, which forms the other part of our two-step approach. You only have two eyes – take good care of them!

What kind of maintenance and training support does Plum Safety provide to ensure long-term reliability and correct usage of its eyewash stations?

As a manufacturer of medical devices, we provide thorough remote and on-site training of sales staff and end-users. Soon, an online “Plum Safety Academy” will ensure on-demand access to these resources.

What innovations can we expect in eyewash solutions over the next decade?

According to industry trends, we can expect significant innovations in eyewash solutions, driven by advancements in technology, safety standards, and user needs. These include:

App-based surveillance and monitoring of eyewash stations: An app could be used to monitor eyewash stations, track expiry dates, send reminders to ensure timely checks and maintenance, and report incidents involving eyewash products. An early version of such an application is already available as a free download from Plum Safety, paving the way for this kind of data-driven maintenance.

User feedback integration systems, meanwhile, could also gather data on user experience and adapt based on usage patterns, suggesting improvements in eyewash station placement or usage protocols.

Portable, compact eyewash units: Eyewash solutions could evolve into compact, portable devices that are easy to carry and deploy in high-risk environments (like laboratories or construction sites).

Sustainability focus: As sustainability becomes a larger concern, eyewash products may evolve to use eco-friendly materials – while respecting requirements for quality and safety of medical-grade raw materials. These types of eco-friendly solutions could include biodegradable components in eyewash bottles.

Ergonomic and user-centred design: In the future, eyewash stations may be more adaptable to various user needs, offering customisable spray patterns or flow rates to better suit different eye shapes and emergency situations.

Environmental considerations for eyewash stations: New eyewash solutions based on green chemistry will focus on the use of environmentally friendly and non-toxic chemicals that can safely neutralise a wider variety of harmful substances without contributing to pollution.

These potential innovations would not only improve the overall effectiveness of eyewash stations in emergencies, but also enhance user safety, minimise environmental impact, and optimise operational efficiency in the workplace.