Emergency Eyewash and Shower Station Weekly Activation

The primary purpose of this SOP is to ensure that every emergency eyewash and shower station in the facility remains fully operational and free from contaminants. Weekly activation flushes standing water from supply lines, verifies flow rates, and confirms proper spray patterns. This proactive measure helps maintain compliance with CSA Z94.5 and WorkSafeBC requirements, reduces the risk of injury from chemical splashes, and ensures a rapid, effective first response when seconds matter.

This procedure applies to all installed combination eyewash/shower units, standalone eyewash stations, and drench hoses located across the facility, including production floors, laboratories, and chemical storage areas. It covers weekly activation testing, visual inspection of mechanical components, and documentation of results. Personnel responsible for safety equipment maintenance or designated first responders are required to perform this test every seven calendar days. Out-of-service stations must be tagged and reported immediately.

• PPEWear safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves during the entire test to protect against splashing water, sediment, or residual chemicals.
• WETUse a bucket or floor drain to capture overflow. The test area floor may become slippery—place wet floor signs if necessary.
• HOTCheck water temperature if the station is connected to a tempered water system. Water temperature must be tepid (recommended 20–38°C / 68–100°F) to avoid thermal shock.
• TAGIf the station fails the test (no flow, leaks, debris), tag it as OUT OF SERVICE and notify the facility safety officer immediately.

• Bucket or container (minimum 5 L capacity) to collect eyewash discharge
• Clean towel or absorbent cloth for drying spills
• Safety glasses (side shields or goggles)
• Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or equivalent)
• Inspection log / checklist (digital or paper)
• Pen or device for recording observations