Safety & Compliance · SOP

Emergency Eye Wash Station And Shower Weekly Flush Test

This procedure ensures all installed emergency eyewash stations and deluge safety showers are flushed and inspected weekly to maintain compliance with CSA Z1220-17, ANSI Z358.1-2014, and local occupational health regulations. A three‑minute minimum flush clears stagnant water and verifies flow, temperature, and mechanical integrity.

Estimated Time

15 min

Difficulty

Basic

Regulation

CSA Z1220-17 / ANSI Z358.1

Version

1.0

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Purpose

The weekly flush test verifies that emergency eye wash stations and safety showers deliver a continuous, tepid flow of clean water at the required volume and pressure. Stagnant water can harbor bacteria (e.g., Legionella) and debris that compromise safety. Regular activation also confirms mechanical operation of valves, handles, and drains, and documents compliance for regulatory audits.

Scope

This procedure applies to all permanent and portable emergency eye wash stations, combination eye wash/shower units, and deluge safety showers installed in industrial, commercial, and laboratory facilities under the jurisdiction of Canadian occupational health and safety standards (e.g., WorkSafeBC, OHSA). It does not cover personal eyewash bottles or self‑contained units that require manufacturer‑specific testing.

Safety Precautions

SLIPPost a wet‑floor warning sign near the testing area. Water splash may create a slipping hazard for surrounding personnel. Provide absorbent mats if necessary.
PPEWear chemical‑resistant gloves and safety glasses during the test. Water from stagnant lines may contain particulates or microbial contaminants.
TEMPVerify water temperature is tepid (16–38 °C). Flushing with scalding or freezing water can cause thermal shock. If the temperature is out of range, tag the unit out of service and report to maintenance.
LOTOIf the unit is plumbed with a shut‑off valve, verify the valve is fully open before testing. Do not lock out the supply — leaving a unit isolated during a shift is a hazard. If isolation is needed for repair, follow the facility’s lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure.

Required Tools & Materials

Digital or dial thermometer (range 0–50 °C)
Stopwatch or timer (phone acceptable)
Clean, lint‑free cloths (2–3)
Wet‑floor warning sign
Absorbent mat or spill kit (if near electrical equipment)
Weekly flush test log sheet (paper or digital)
Pen or marker

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Notify Adjacent Personnel. Alert workers in the immediate area that a flush test is in progress. Place a wet‑floor sign at the boundary of the splash zone. For shower testing, ensure no one is standing within 1.5 metres of the unit.

2 Inspect Equipment Exterior. Visually examine the eye wash basin, shower head, and supply piping for cracks, corrosion, insect nests, or debris. Verify that the activation handle, foot pedal, or pull chain is unobstructed and moves freely through its full range.

3 Activate the Flush Mechanism. Fully engage the eye wash or shower – push the handle to the full open position, step on the foot pedal, or pull the chain until water flows continuously. Begin timing immediately.

4 Observe Flow Pattern and Pressure. For eye wash units, confirm that water sprays both eyes simultaneously in a gentle flood pattern (not a single jet). For shower units, verify a minimum 20‑inch (50 cm) diameter spray pattern at a height of 60 inches (152 cm) above the floor. Listen for signs of air locks or reduced pressure.

5 Monitor Water Temperature. After 30 seconds of flow, use a thermometer to measure the water temperature at the nozzle. Record the reading. The temperature must be between 60 °F and 100 °F (16 °C–38 °C). If out of range, stop the test and tag the unit out of service.

6 Continue Flush for Full Duration. Maintain flow for a minimum of 3 minutes (or longer if local regulation requires). This flushes out any sediment, biofilm, or stagnant water from the supply line. Periodically re‑check that the flow pattern remains consistent.

7 Shut Down and Drain. Release the activation handle (it should spring back to the closed position). For foot‑pedal units, remove foot pressure. Wait 30 seconds for the basin or shower area to fully drain. Wipe down the eye wash bowl and shower head with a clean, dry cloth to remove moisture and prevent mineral buildup.

8 Document and Report. Complete the weekly flush test log with the following: date, time, inspector name, unit location, flow duration, measured temperature, and any observations (e.g., low pressure, leaks, handle stiffness). If a deficiency was found, attach a “Do Not Use” tag to the unit and create a corrective work order. File the log in the facility’s safety binder or digital record system.

Emergency Eye Wash Station And Shower Weekly Flush Test

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