What must be present at eyewash stations to ensure their functionality?

For eyewash stations to be effective in an emergency situation, it's crucial to have a clean path and operational signage. This ensures that users can quickly and easily find the eyewash station when needed, which is essential for minimizing injury and ensuring rapid response to hazardous materials exposure.

Having a clear route means there are no obstructions that could slow down access to the eyewash station, while proper signage indicates the location and usage instructions. This preparation can make a significant difference in the time it takes to begin decontamination of the eyes or face following exposure to harmful substances.

The other options may provide additional safety or support, but they do not directly contribute to the immediate functionality of the eyewash station. A digital timer or safety video monitor might have relevance in other safety contexts, but they do not play a key role in the immediate emergency use of eyewash facilities. Similarly, while it is good practice to have a first aid kit nearby, it does not directly ensure the functionality of the eyewash station itself.