Eye wash station

Abstract

An eye wash station is disclosed for dispensing a fluid to a person's eyes. The eye wash station includes a tank to contain the fluid and a pedestal having a tank support portion and a generally horizontal base portion. The eye wash station has a reservoir configured to maintain a substantially constant level of the fluid within the reservoir when the tank is installed. A dispensing arm providing a flow outlet is pivotally mounted to the pedestal for movement between a stowed position where the flow outlet is above the reservoir fluid level and an operating position wherein the flow outlet is below the reservoir fluid level. A conduit, such as a length of flexible tubing or hose, couples the reservoir to the flow outlet to allow flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the flow outlet when the dispensing arm is in the operating position, and a pair of spray heads coupled to the flow outlet provide a spray of the fluid. The eye wash station may further include a fluid drain coupled to a basin disposed within the base portion of the pedestal, as well as a pinch valve to restrict flow of fluid through the conduit while the tank is being installed or maintained. The pinch valve and conduit are configured to automatically reset to the open (i.e., disengaged) position when the dispensing arm is raised to the stowed position. The tank outlet may include a tank lid with a seal that is pierced by a piercing part in the reservoir while the tank is being installed. The eye wash station may further include a V-shaped retaining profile upon the upper surface of the tank support portion of the pedestal and a corresponding V-shaped retaining profile upon the bottom surface of the tank to facilitate a secure fit of the tank to the pedestal. A method of preparing the tank for use is also disclosed.