How to Test an Emergency Eyewash

An emergency eyewash station provides water for decontamination after contact with a potentially hazardous substance, such as corrosive chemicals. Because accidental exposure to substances can occur, it's important to maintain the safety of an eyewash station. According to Health Safe at the University of Alabama, eyewash stations should be inspected once a week to ensure that the station is functioning properly.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Filters

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Instructions

• 1

  Flush water weekly from the eyewash. Water should be flushed to clear the eyepieces of microorganisms and rust.

• 2

  Check the eyewash unit for a drain. If there is no drain, a container should be placed under the unit to collect the water.

• 3

  Turn the station on. Flush the water for up to five minutes. The eyepieces should have water flowing without any obstructions.

• 4

  Check water pressure on your unit. No more than 0.4 gallons of water per minute, should flow from the eyewash station during a 15 minute duration, as indicated by Lab Safety.

• 5

  Ensure that water at your stations is temperate. Temperatures should not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and should be no lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 6

  Check your station's filters. If the filters are filled with debris, replace them.

• 7

  Clean the exterior of your eyewash unit, if necessary. If your unit contains a water basin, clear debris out.

• 8

  Document your inspection. Keep a copy of your inspection for your records.