Business and Administration

The Safety Shower & Eyewash Inspection Program is designed to verify that all showers, eyewashes, and drench hoses are functioning properly in accordance with ANSI standards. RMS tests the units annually. We require that if you have an eyewash station that has a plumbed drain that you flush it out at least once a week and document this test. This will prevent rust and other debris from accumulating in the pipes and in the event of an emergency will keep debris from getting into someone’s eye. If your lab has a shower, eyewash, or drench hose that is currently not being tested or is not known about by our office, please contact Catherine Situma or Heath Hardison.

Safety Considerations Regarding Safety Showers & Eyewashes

Adapted from ANSI Z358.1 – 1998

The first seconds following an eye injury are often most critical to keeping eye injury to a minimum.  A personal eyewash may be kept in the immediate vicinity of employees working in a potentially hazardous area.  The main purpose of these units is to supply immediate flushing.  With this accomplished, the injured individual should then proceed to a plumbed or self-contained eyewash and flush the eyes for the required 15 minute period.

Emergency eyewash, shower, drench hose and combination units are not substitutes for proper primary protective devices. As a defense against flying solid particles and splashing injurious liquids, workers should wear personal protective equipment as needed, including eye protection, face protection and protective clothing.