How to Improve Eyewash Station Safety in Healthcare Workspaces

How to Improve Eyewash Station Safety in Clinical and Lab Settings

Our eyes are vulnerable in high-risk environments, where splash hazards and chemical exposure are part of the job. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2,000 U.S. workers sustain eye injuries on the job every day, many of them preventable with better labeling, signage, and safety protocols. 

 In clinical laboratories and sterile processing departments (SPDs), the use of concentrated chemicals, pressurized systems, and cleaning agents poses a constant threat to vision. While personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, it’s not enough.  

Nearly 90% of workplace eyes injuries are preventable when protective measures and proper visual communication are in place, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Clear visual communication, through consistent labeling, signage, and emergency station markings, is key to protecting staff and staying compliant with safety regulations.   

Why Eye Protection Requires More Than PPE  

Goggles and face shields are often the first line of defense, but in fast-paced healthcare environments, even well-trained teams can become desensitized to routine hazards. Labs and SPDs regularly handle reactive substances and high-pressure tools that increase the risk of splashes and airborne exposure.  

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c) requires employers to provide eyewash stations where workers may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, but equipment alone isn’t enough.  If eyewash stations are difficult to find, improperly labeled. Or blocked from view, staff may be delayed in responding during an emergency.   

How to Improve Eyewash Stations Visibility and Access  

Eyewash stations are a critical part of chemical safety protocol. However, they only work if staff can locate and operate them immediately in an emergency. In both labs and SPDs, it's common for stations to be blocked by carts, hidden behind doors, or unmarked due to worn or missing signage.  

To improve response times and ensure compliance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z358.1-2014, facilities should prioritize consistent labeling and clear, standardized signage. Recommended practices for eyewash station placement and labeling: 

• Install signage at eye level and near all hazard zone entry points 

• Apply custom labels directly to eyewash units with instructions and GHS-compliant pictograms 

• Use chemical- and moisture-resistant materials suitable for lab and SPD conditions 

• Add directional indicators if units are located around corners or behind barriers 

In facilities that handle chemicals such as formaldehyde or xylene, delays in finding an eyewash station can result in long-term damage. Clear, standardized labeling helps eliminate uncertainty and supports faster emergency response. 

Using Signage to Promote Everyday Eye Safety 

While eyewash stations are the emergency response, eye safety awareness signage serves as everyday prevention. SPDs face a higher risk of eye injuries due to regular exposure to cleaning agents, disinfectants, and sterilization equipment. In these settings, visual reminders help staff alert to ongoing risks, even during routine tasks. Effective signage should communicate expectations clearly, visually, and in context.  Key considerations for awareness signage include:  

• Use direct, action-based language such as “Wear Eye Protection When Operating” 

• Include ANSI-compliant icons for universal recognition 

• Offer multilingual options that reflect workforce needs 

• Update signage regularly to avoid desensitization and ensure readability 

Signage placement should be strategic, located where hazards are likely to occur. The goal is to ensure workers are reminded of the risk at the exact moment it matters. 

Create Simplified Eye Safety Labeling with LabelForge PRO 

Maintaining consistency across labeling systems can be difficult, especially in large healthcare networks or departments with rotating staff.  LabelForge PRO Design Software  offers a way to simplify that process by providing easy-to-use templates that support OSHA and ANSI compliance while adapting to department-specific needs.  

The free LabelForge PRO includes pre-built formats for eyewash stations, PPE areas, and emergency equipment. Labels can be customized, translated, and printed using durable materials that hold up in harsh conditions common to labs and SPDs. By centralizing the labeling process, facilities can reduce errors, improve consistency, and maintain visual standards across locations. 

Strengthening Eye Safety Through Visual Communication 

A successful eye safety program doesn’t rely on equipment alone. It depends on a consistent system of visual cues that guide behavior, reduce ambiguity, and support rapid decision-making. 

Steps for strengthening visual communication in labs and SPDs:  

• Conduct visual audits of eyewash stations and related signage at least quarterly 

• Apply custom labels near hazardous equipment to reinforce operating procedures 

• Integrate signage and labeling into onboarding and ongoing staff safety training 

• Include signage checks as part of regular safety rounds or compliance reviews 

Visual consistency promotes faster reaction times, clearer understanding, and better adherence to established protocols, which protects both workers and patients in the process. 

DuraLabel Eye Safety Awareness Signage Resources  

Effective eyewash station signage, custom labeling, and eye safety awareness signage are essential for reducing eye injuries. Standardizing visual communication across departments helps improve response times but ensure alignment with OSHA and ANSI standards. 

For facilities looking to improve labeling consistency across high-risk areas, LabelForge PRO offers a streamlined way to create compliant, durable labels tailored to healthcare environments. Its pre-built templates and customizable options help standardize critical information across departments, reducing the risk of mislabeling chemicals, emergency equipment, and PPE zones. 

To learn more about how to support broader chemical safety and injury prevention, download DuraLabel’s free HazCom Quick Reference Guide.  It provides a clear overview of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, GHS label elements, and best practices for identifying hazardous substances. It also provides ways to improve label visibility, and selecting the right materials that perform in demanding settings. 

If you have questions or need assistance implementing a labeling system that supports your safety goals, our experts are here to help. Contact us at 1-888-402-8820 to speak with a specialist and they will guide you through the process. 

Read Next 

What’s the Real Cost of Failing to Meet OSHA Safety Standards? 

HazCom Basics: Chemical Labeling 101