Do eyewash station testing requirements have you confused?
Eyewash stations and emergency showers are critical safety assets designed to protect employees from chemical splashes, corrosive materials, and other hazardous exposures. But simply installing them isn’t enough—regular testing and inspection is required to ensure they work properly when an emergency occurs.
This guide explains how often eyewash stations should be tested, outlines the testing criteria for each required interval, and covers inspection differences for eyewash units, safety showers, combination units, drench hoses, sink-mounted systems, and portable eyewash stations.
Why Eyewash Station Testing Is So Important
When a chemical exposure occurs, seconds matter. An eyewash or safety shower that fails to deliver clean, flowing water at the proper rate can significantly increase the severity of an injury.
Routine testing helps ensure:
Water flows immediately when activated
No obstructions, sediment, or microbial growth are present
Valves and nozzles operate correctly
The unit complies with recognized safety standards
Documentation is available for audits and inspections
How Often Should Eyewash Stations Be Tested?
Eyewash and emergency shower testing typically follows three inspection intervals:
Weekly
Monthly
Annual
Each interval has different objectives and criteria. InspectNTrack inspection workflows are designed to align with ANSI Z358.1 eyewash and safety shower testing requirements. The following quick reference guide shows the eyewash station testing requirements for each type of eyewash or emergency shower unit.
| Equipment Type | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbed Eyewash Stations | Activation | Inspect & Verify | Full Inspection |
| Sink-Mounted Eyewash Stations | Activation | Inspect & Verify | Full Inspection |
| Safety Showers | Activation | Inspect & Verify | Full Inspection |
| Combination Eyewash & Safety Shower Units | Activation | Inspect & Verify | Full Inspection |
| Drench Hoses | Activation | Inspect & Verify | Full Inspection |
| Portable Eyewash Stations | Visual Check | Inspect & Verify | N/A |
Weekly Eyewash Station Testing Requirements
Purpose
Weekly testing verifies that the unit is operational and capable of delivering water immediately.
Testing Criteria (Weekly)
Activate the eyewash or shower to confirm immediate water flow
Ensure the valve stays open without requiring hand pressure
Flush the system long enough to clear stagnant water
Confirm spray heads are unobstructed
Check that protective caps are in place and function properly
Ensure access is unobstructed and signage is visible
Applies To
Plumbed eyewash stations
Sink-mounted eyewash units
Safety showers
Combination eyewash/shower units
Drench hoses
Monthly Eyewash Station Inspections
Purpose
Monthly inspections focus on condition, accessibility, and compliance readiness.
Testing Criteria (Monthly)
Verify weekly tests are being documented
Inspect for corrosion, leaks, or damage
Confirm proper mounting and stability
Ensure water pressure appears consistent
Verify temperature control devices (if present) function properly
Check that activation signage and instructions are legible
Confirm personal protective covers are intact
Applies To
All eyewash and emergency shower types
Portable eyewash units (with additional fluid checks)
Annual Eyewash & Safety Shower Testing Requirements
Purpose
Annual inspections confirm full compliance and verify that the unit meets all performance requirements.
Testing Criteria (Annual)
Measure flow rate and spray pattern
Verify correct spray height and coverage
Confirm continuous water flow duration capability
Validate temperature range where applicable
Inspect internal components and valves
Review inspection logs for completeness
Confirm compliance with applicable safety standards
Annual inspections are often performed by trained personnel or third-party inspectors.
Eyewash Station Testing Requirements by Equipment Type
Plumbed Eyewash Stations
Weekly activation required
Annual flow rate and pattern verification
Flush to prevent sediment and bacteria buildup
Sink-Mounted Eyewash Stations
Weekly activation to ensure diverter valves work properly
Confirm sink remains usable when eyewash is not engaged
Check spray heads for scale or blockage
Safety Showers
Weekly activation to confirm immediate flow
Ensure pull rods or handles are reachable and functional
Annual verification of flow volume and spray pattern
Combination Eyewash & Safety Shower Units
Weekly testing of both components
Confirm simultaneous operation if required
Annual verification of both eyewash and shower criteria
Drench Hoses
Weekly activation
Ensure flexible hose is intact and easily maneuverable
Confirm nozzle produces a controlled spray (not a focused stream)
Portable Eyewash Stations
Weekly visual checks
Fluid replacement based on manufacturer instructions
Verify expiration dates on preservative solutions
Ensure unit is properly pressurized (if applicable)
Documentation & Compliance
Accurate documentation is just as important as the inspection itself. Inspection records should include:
Date and time of test
Equipment ID or location
Inspection type (weekly, monthly, annual)
Inspector name
Pass/fail status and corrective actions
Digital inspection systems not only manage eyewash station inspection requirements, they also make it easier to maintain records, schedule recurring inspections, and demonstrate compliance during audits.
Final Thoughts
So, what are the actual eyewash station testing requirements?
At a minimum:
Weekly operational checks
Monthly condition inspections
Annual performance verification
Regular testing ensures your emergency equipment works when it’s needed most—protecting employees, reducing liability, and keeping your facility compliant.
If you manage multiple eyewash stations across one or more facilities, inspection software can dramatically reduce manual effort while improving consistency and documentation accuracy.
