Emergency Eyewash and Shower Testing

EMERGENCY EYEWASH and TESTING PROGRAM

Best Practice
This practice will ensure that in an emergency, safety eyewash stations and drench showers operate correctly and supply uncontaminated water. This practice defines guidelines for equipment inspection, testing and maintenance.

Program Scope
This program applies to all emergency eyewash and drench shower units in University buildings.  The program mandates documented monthly testing of the equipment.

Responsibilities
FACILITIES DEPARTMENT

  • Perform a monthly test on emergency eyewash and drench shower units on University campuses to:

    • verify proper operation and
    • to ensure the delivery of uncontaminated water,
  • Provide for the inventory of individual eyewash and drench shower units on the PM Inventory, 
  • Ensure the presence of high visibility signage for each unit,
  • Ensure each unit is appropriately tagged to document the monthly testing.

Process Verify the equipment and its location is entered into the campus PM Inventory. Verify individual units are identified with a highly visible sign that was initially shipped with the unit.  Replacement signs are available; see (*1) below.  This sign must be prominently displayed on or near the unit.

  • Using a plastic zip/cable tie, an “Eye Wash/Shower Inspection Tag” (*2) must be affixed on or near the unit.  For combination eyewash/shower units, an inspection tag must be attached to the eyewash and another tag attached to the shower. 

    • After completing the appropriate test, the Facilities person will use an indelible medium point black magic marker to enter his/her initials and date on the tag. 
    • When the tag has been filled out in its entirety, the tag will be removed from the unit and placed on file in the campus Facilities office. This completed tag is to be kept for three years beginning with the last date entered on the tag.
    • A new tag is to be affixed to the eye wash and/or shower.
  • Deficiencies or failed tests must be corrected immediately.  If deficiencies or the issues resulting in failed tests cannot be immediately corrected, Facilities must tag the unit “DO NOT USE”.  Repairs and returning the equipment to an operational status will receive the highest priority.

 TESTING:

       (For combination eyewash/drench shower units, test each device separately using the individual test listed below)                              

  • Visually inspect the eyewash and drench shower. 

    • Check for leaks or pipe damage,
    • Check for proper placement of protective eyewash eye covers,
    • Ensure the unit and the surrounding floor space is free of any obstructions,
    • Ensure the unit is identified by a highly visible sign.

EYEWASH UNITS

Monthly Test

  • Activate the eyewash.  During the test, use an “Eye Wash Tester” (*3) to verify correct alignment of the water nozzles.  Ensure:

    • the water flow is continuous,
    • the correct alignment of the water nozzles (follow the instructions on the Eye Wash Tester),
    • the controlled flow of water is provided to both eyes simultaneously.
    • the water flow is adequate and the volume is not injurious to the user's eyes or face,
    • the valve actuator activates water flow in one second or less,
    • the valve actuator remains on unless manually turned off,
    • the water runs for 60 seconds or until the water is clear to prevent rust and other contaminants from fouling the water
  • Document the test with date and initials on the inspection tag.

 DRENCH SHOWERS

Monthly Test

  • Activate the shower.  During the test, use a “Safety Shower Tester” (*4) to contain the water.   The plastic shower curtain sleeve can drain into the 5-gallon bucket (both included in the Tester) or into a large trash can on a mobile dolly.
  •  Ensure:
    • the water flow is continuous,
    • the water flow is adequate and the velocity is not injurious to the user's eyes or face,
    • the valve actuator activates water flow in one second or less,
    • the valve actuator remains open and water flowing unless manually turned off,
    • the water runs for 60 seconds or until the water is clear to prevent rust and other contaminants from fouling the water

Document test with date and initials on the inspection tag.

(*1)

Lab Safety Supply:      www.LSS.com,     1-800-356-0783

Safety Shower sign         BB1-20393

Eye Wash sign                   BB1-20394

Eye Wash/Shower (combination unit) sign           BB1-20395

Emergency Drench Hose sign                                     BB1-18119

Personal Eye Wash (portable) sign                           BB1-22106

 

(*2)

Lab Safety Supply:     www.LSS.com,     1-800-356-0783

Eye Wash/Shower Inspection Tag            BB1-34023T

 

 (*3)

Lab Safety Supply:     www.LSS.com,     1-800-356-0783

Eye Wash Tester              BB1-2940

 

(*4)

Lab Safety Supply:     www.LSS.com,     1-800-356-0783

Safety Shower Tester    BB1-14034