To reiterate Ray's point with a bit more detail - there are two reasons eyewash temperature is supposed to be tepid: 1) so it is acceptable to the user and will be used for the requisite time, and 2) so heat won't increase chemical reaction. In regards to reason #2, an eyewash stored in a vehicle could easily reach 130 to 140 degrees F on a hot summer day - if used at that temperature for a chemical exposure, the rate of chemical reaction in the eye could be significantly increased. A pet peeve - portable bottles ARE NOT eyewashes - they are eye flush devices, designed to supplement eyewashes in a fixed place of work for mobile work (e.g. drain cleaning) or as an alternative to larger, more expensive, non-plumbed eyewash stations that are not frequently used for portable use, but could be. An eyewash needs 15 minutes of flow and be capable of hands free operation, so the user can hold open both eyes with his/her hands. Portable bottles do neither. I did have one situation where we were looking at the non-plumbed units (which come in 5 to 15 minute volumes) in a hospital. Our Chief of Emergency Medicine felt the 5 minute flush with a quick transport to the E.R. for follow-up was preferable. Of course this is a unique situation where medical treatment is 1 to 2 minutes away. In regards to other comments regarding sterility of eyewash water - it does not need to be sterile, only sanitary - the water from your tap in plumbed eyewashes is not sterile. The issue becomes, if not sterile to begin with, then the fluids could grow any contaminants present. If I had a program for eye flush bottles in vehicles, I would look at changing out the sanitary contents frequently. I would use the water additives sold by manufacturers of the large non-plumbed eyewash stations added to bottled distilled water. Regards, Ellis -----Original Message----- On Behalf Of ray campbell Don't foget the water must be tepid. If there are concerns about heat, you must review the storage conditions for the water. It should be sterile going into the container and contamination should not be a concern. --- This e-mail is from the [log in to unmask] list. Archives of list discussions can be found at http://list.uvm.edu/archives/safety.html