Ideally, the water coming out of an eyewash or emergency shower should be:

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The ideal temperature for the water coming out of an eyewash or emergency shower should be tepid. Tepid water is between 60°F to 100°F, which is suitable for emergency flushing because it is comfortable and minimizes the shock to the body, especially when a person is already experiencing discomfort from exposure to hazardous substances. It allows the individual to stay under the water for the recommended duration without causing additional stress.

Using cold water can cause discomfort, shock, and potential worsening of the injury, while hot or steamy water can exacerbate burns or irritations, diminishing the effectiveness of the emergency response. Tepid water is therefore the most effective and safe choice for rinsing away contaminants in an emergency.