In workplaces where hazardous chemicals are handled, safety showers and eyewash stations are critical pieces of emergency equipment. When seconds count, these systems provide rapid decontamination that can prevent serious chemical burns or eye injuries. But simply installing them isn¡¯t enough; regular checks and testing are essential to ensure they¡¯ll function properly in an emergency.

This guide answers some of the most common questions about emergency equipment maintenance, including:

• How often should safety showers be checked?
• How often do eyewash stations need to be inspected?
• How long does water in self-contained units last?

We¡¯ll also explain the safety standards related to safety showers and eyewash stations, what¡¯s involved in testing, and outline best practices to keep your equipment compliant and ready when it¡¯s needed most.

In This Guide

• Understanding the Standards
• How Often Should Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations Be Checked?
• How Long Does Water in Self-Contained Units Last?
• Best Practices for Maintenance and Record-Keeping

Understanding the Standards

Regular checks of emergency equipment are a legal and regulatory requirement in many regions. Two key international standards ¨C ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 and EN 15154 ¨C set out the inspection, testing and performance criteria for safety showers and eyewash stations.

While the wording differs slightly, both standards reinforce the same essential requirements:

• Weekly activation to ensure proper operation and to flush stagnant water or sediment.
• Annual inspection to verify ongoing compliance with installation and performance criteria.
• Tepid water flow (16¨C38¡ãC / 60¨C100¡ãF) for at least 15 minutes.
• Accessible, unobstructed placement within 10 seconds¡¯ reach of a hazard.

Employers who follow these recommendations demonstrate due diligence in protecting their workforce and ensuring compliance during inspections or audits.

Watch the video to learn more about the importance of weekly activation tests, how to perform them and what to look out for.

How Often Should Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations Be Checked?

Emergency showers and eyewash stations must be maintained on a structured schedule to guarantee full functionality when needed most.

Proper maintenance of safety showers ensures that workers are protected against the effects of skin contact with chemicals or dangerous materials. Read our dedicated blog post on Why Safety Shower Maintenance is Important? for more information.

Weekly Activation

All plumbed showers and eyewash stations should be activated at least once a week. This serves to:

• Confirm the unit operates correctly.
• Flush out stagnant water and prevent sediment or bacterial buildup.
• Identify mechanical issues early, such as poor flow or valve faults.

Take a look at the Hughes Deluge Test Kit, designed to make weekly shower testing simple and effective.

Annual Inspection

In addition to weekly activations, a full annual inspection is needed to verify compliance. This includes checking:

• Flow rates, spray patterns, and temperature.
• Signage, accessibility, and lighting.
• Physical condition, valves, and drainage.

Documenting these checks is vital for demonstrating compliance and maintaining a robust safety record.

Post-incident Checks

After emergency use or maintenance work near the unit, conduct an immediate check to confirm it is fully operational and safe for reuse.

How Long Does Water in Self-Contained Units Last?

For portable or self-contained units, the flushing solution has a limited lifespan and must be replaced periodically ¡ª typically every three to six months, depending on the product. Expired solution may not meet safety standards for cleanliness or effectiveness.

To stay compliant:

• Always check the manufacturer¡¯s recommended replacement intervals.
• Record refill and expiry dates for each unit.
• Replace the solution immediately after use or contamination.

Read our guide on managing bacteria growth for more advice on keeping eyewash water safe.

Best Practices for Maintenance and Record-Keeping

Maintaining your emergency safety equipment also involves good documentation, proper training and ensuring that the equipment remains visible and accessible at all times. Following these best practices will help you stay compliant with safety standards and ensure equipment is ready to use.

Maintain Detailed Records

Keeping accurate records of all inspections, tests and maintenance activities is essential. This includes:

• Dates and results of weekly activations
• Notes from monthly or annual inspections
• Details of any repairs, replacements or upgrades
• Sign-offs from responsible personnel

These records provide traceability, support compliance during audits, and help identify patterns that might indicate underlying issues with equipment or procedures.

Train Personnel

Employees should be trained on how to identify and report potential faults. Training should cover:

• Activation procedures
• Duration of use
• Location awareness
• Reporting protocols for damaged or non-functional equipment

Ensure Clear Signage and Unobstructed Access

Safety equipment is only effective if it can be located and accessed immediately. To support this:

• Install highly visible signage in line with safety regulations
• Ensure lighting is adequate, particularly in areas where spills or accidents are more likely
• Keep the area around showers and eyewash stations completely free of obstructions

Keep track of your activations using our weekly checklist and note any areas that require maintenance. 

Not only will performing these tasks give you peace of mind that your emergency equipment is in full working order - it will also ensure you remain compliant. If a shower fails to function correctly or further injures an employee, you could face significant fines and/or imprisonment.