Eyewash and shower flow
| Substance | Flushing times |
| Sulphuric acid | 15 minutes |
| Hydrochloric acid | 15 minutes |
| Ammonium solution | 15-30 minutes |
| Sodium hydroxide | 15-30 minutes |
Abundant flow in eye and face showers is necessary. The demand is generous rinsing with fresh, tempered or cold water in the whole face for a minimum of 15 minutes. This is however only during a transition period until healthcare professionals are at site. Some alkaline substances (high pH) require flushing up to four hours which is why continued rinsing is carried out when the injured person arrives at the hospital.
All models of safety showers have been designed for a minimum flow of approx. 76 litres/minute indoors or approx. 170 litres/minute outdoors. This is the necessary capacity to cover the whole body with plenty of water. Showers are available in different varieties for mounting on wall, in ceiling or as free standing. Pipes must therefore be chosen to give the correct flow.
Tempered water shall be used for eye washes and sometimes even for safety showers. The reason for this is that the injured person shall cope to remain in the water flow as long as possible. At cold temperatures the muscles contract which may cause difficulties to rinse efficiently.