Eyewash station inspection checklist
Updated · Reviewed by Israel Margulies, founder and CEO of High Point GPS
A checklist and weekly log for emergency eyewash stations: can people reach it fast, does it work, is the water clean and at a safe temperature, and was it tested this week.
OSHA 1910.151(c) requires suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body, within the work area, wherever people may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. In a shop that means battery acid, cleaning chemicals and coolants.
ANSI/ISEA Z358.1, the standard most workplaces follow for these units, calls for activating plumbed units weekly and inspecting them against the standard every year. This checklist covers the weekly check; it isn't legal advice.
Eyewash station check
Fields: Station location / ID · Type (plumbed, self-contained) · Week of · Checked by
Log columns: Date · Activated / flow OK · Water clear · Issues found · Initials
Weekly check
- Path to the station clear and unblocked
- Station easy to reach from the hazard
- Sign posted and visible
- Dust caps in place and come off when activated
- Water flows from both heads
- Water runs clear (flush until clear)
- Water feels tepid, not hot or cold
- Valve stays open hands-free
- Self-contained unit: fluid in date and full
Fill it in the right way
- Walk the path from the hazard to the station and make sure nothing blocks it.
- Activate a plumbed unit and let it run until the water is clear.
- Check both heads flow and the valve stays open without a hand on it.
- Check the water feels tepid and the caps come off.
- For self-contained units, check the fluid level and its expiry date.
- Log the result and report any fault so it's fixed straight away.
Tips
- Keep a log tag on the station itself as well as this sheet.
- Test after any plumbing work nearby.
- Train people to hold their eyes open and flush for the full time the label says.
- Fix a failed station the same day; until then, keep people away from the hazard.
Do it in FleetZap
- Put a QR label on each machine or station; people scan it to do a check on their phone without an account.
- Inspection procedures can include pass/fail, reading, photo and signature steps, with required steps that block closing.
- A failed item creates a work order and notifies the right people.
- Inspection and expiry dates can be tracked as compliance items with reminders.
- FleetZap records checks and repairs; it doesn't certify compliance.
Sources
FleetZap Maintenance
Work orders, PM, parts, compliance, assets and KPIs. Explore FleetZap Maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How often should eyewash stations be checked?
ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 calls for activating plumbed units weekly and inspecting them against the standard annually. Self-contained units follow the maker's instructions.
Does OSHA require eyewash stations?
OSHA 1910.151(c) requires suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing where eyes or body may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials.
What does a weekly eyewash check cover?
Access, signage, caps, flow from both heads, clear water, tepid temperature, a valve that stays open, and for self-contained units, fluid level and expiry.
Why flush until the water runs clear?
Water sitting in the pipes collects rust and bacteria; the weekly flush clears it out.