Safety & Compliance · SOP

Facility Eyewash Station and Emergency Shower Weekly Flush

A formal procedure for performing a mandatory weekly flush of all installed eyewash stations and emergency showers. Ensures compliance with ANSI Z358.1 / CSA Z317.10, removes sediment, prevents microbial growth, and verifies that each unit delivers adequate flow and tepid water.

Estimated Time

30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Regulation

ANSI Z358.1

Version

1.0

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Purpose

The purpose of this weekly flush procedure is to maintain the operational readiness and hygiene of eyewash stations and emergency showers in compliance with ANSI Z358.1 / CSA Z317.10. Flushing clears sediment buildup, flushes stagnant water that could harbor bacteria, and verifies that each fixture delivers a steady flow of tepid water at the required pressure. Performing this procedure weekly reduces the risk of component failure, corrosion, and microbial contamination, ensuring the equipment will function correctly during an actual emergency.

Scope

This SOP applies to all plumbed eyewash stations, combination units, and emergency showers located within this facility. It is the responsibility of the safety coordinator or the assigned maintenance technician to perform this flush every seven days. This document does not cover portable self-contained units (refer to manufacturer’s instructions for those). The procedure should be followed exactly as written; any deviation must be approved by the safety manager and documented.

Safety Precautions

LOTOIf the eyewash/shower is fed from a local pump or recirculating system, isolate and lock out the supply per facility LOTO procedure before performing any internal maintenance.
PPEWear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles during the entire flush. Water may contain sediment or microbial contaminants that can irritate skin or eyes.
BURNVerify water temperature before flushing. If the supply exceeds 38°C (100°F) or falls below 16°C (60°F), do not proceed until the hot/cold mixing valve is adjusted. Tepid water is critical to prevent thermal shock during actual use.
SLIPPlace warning cones or wet-floor signs in the area during and after flushing. Use absorbent towels to contain splash water and prevent slip hazards.

Required Tools & Materials

Stopwatch or phone timer
Bucket or catch pan (for floor drain protection)
Absorbent towels and / or a mop
Chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles
pH test strips (optional, for verifying water quality biannually)
Status tag or signage to indicate completion
Inspection log sheet or digital form
Thermometer (infrared or probe type) to measure water temperature

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Notify personnel in the immediate area that a weekly flush will be performed. Place temporary signage on the unit indicating “OUT OF SERVICE – WEEKLY FLUSH.”

2 Visually inspect the eyewash station and emergency shower for any physical damage, debris, spiderwebs, or obstructions. Check that the activation handle or pull strap is intact and moves freely.

3 Position a bucket or absorbent towels beneath the eyewash basin to capture the initial water discharge. Ensure the floor drain grate is clear for the shower portion.

4 Activate the eyewash station by pushing the handle or stepping on the pedal (if equipped). Start the stopwatch immediately. Allow water to run for a full 15 minutes (900 seconds).

5 During the eyewash flush, verify that both spray heads are emitting a steady, aerated stream and that the streams converge to wash both eyes simultaneously. Adjust head angles if needed.

6 After 5 minutes of eyewash flow, activate the emergency shower by pulling the chain or opening the supply valve. Allow it to run concurrently for the remaining 10 minutes (total shower duration: 15 minutes).

7 Monitor water temperature continuously. Using a thermometer, check that the water temperature stays between 16°C and 38°C. If it drifts outside this range, stop the test and flag the mixing valve for service.

8 While the shower is running, observe the spray pattern. The water should cover at least a 20‑inch diameter circle at a height of 60 inches above the floor. Note any sputtering or low pressure.

9 After 15 minutes total, shut off the eyewash and shower. Inspect all connections, valves, and drain fixtures for leaks. Tighten any drips as needed.

10 Dry the eyewash basin and shower area with clean towels. Restore the unit to its normal position. Remove any “OUT OF SERVICE” signage and replace it with a “READY FOR USE” tag or the standard weekly flush status tag.

11 Record the flush in the weekly inspection log. Include: date, time, inspector name, water temperature range, flow condition (good / poor), and any corrective actions taken.

12 If any anomalies were observed (low flow, temperature out of range, leaks, damaged components), initiate a work order for repair immediately. Do not leave the unit in service until resolved.

Facility Eyewash Station and Emergency Shower Weekly Flush

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