Eyewash Station Inspections: Tips and Tricks from Industry Experts

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance of eyewash stations and showers.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z358.1-2014 (R2020) "Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment" is generally used as a guide for eyewash inspections in North America.

The standard provides guidance on:

• Design and installation of eyewash stations and showers
• Performance and usage
• Maintenance of flushing equipment
• Testing and inspections
• Employee training

Under this standard, eyewash stations should be ‘activated’ weekly to ensure fluid flow. It’s best practice to inspect eyewash stations on a monthly basis, particularly for housekeeping issues, leaks, obstructed access, etc. And a full inspection is required annually.

We asked industry experts to share their inspection tips and tricks they’ve accumulated throughout the years.

Here’s what they had to say for eyewash station inspections.

Employee safety is a critical obligation that goes beyond having the appropriate equipment in the facility. When an accident occurs, safety equipment must be readily available and functioning correctly in order to immediately support the injured individual and prevent further injury. This is why it's essential that your eyewash stations are inspected properly and regularly.

Stay upstream with digital inspection tools

Digitizing your eyewash station inspections is an effective solution to ensure they are in working order when you need them the most.

Using a digital solution will help ensure that each eyewash station is inspected. The system will advise of remaining inspections and provide guidance to locate the eyewash stations, helping to ensure that none are missed.

Service dates are also available in the system so you can check when the eyewash fluid was last replaced and see upcoming fluid replacement dates.

Instructions and information related to the eyewash station can also be made available to the inspector.

Facility managers are able to see an overview of inspection statuses to keep a pulse on upcoming, due, or overdue inspections.

If any deficiencies are found, the inspector can include photos and notes, and the right personnel are notified immediately.

It’s critical that eyewash stations function properly when you need them to. Staying on top of your routine inspections will help ensure they’re ready for use in the event of an incident.

If you think a digital solution could help you improve your eyewash station inspections, please contact us at customerservice@tapreport.io for more information.

Resources

• Emergency Showers and Eyewash Stations - CCOHS
• Understanding the ANSI Z358.1-2014 Standard for Plumbed and Portable Eyewash Stations - OHS Online
• Emergency Eyewash - Interactive Learning Paradigms, Incorporated

About Tap Report

Tap Report is a Canadian software company that provides a digital solution for managing workplace inspections, safety compliance, and operational reporting. It replaces manual processes, such as paper checklists and spreadsheets, with a mobile and web-based system that allows teams to complete inspections, capture data, and generate compliant reports.

Through an easy-to-use interface and automated workflows, Tap Report helps ensure that inspections are completed, deficiencies are categorized and tracked, and issues are escalated efficiently to the right people. It also offers analytics, customizable reporting, and integrations that helps organizations improve safety, compliance, and operational performance.

For more information, visit www.tapreport.io or contact us at customerservice@tapreport.io.