Are Your Emergency Fixtures Safe to Use?

Understanding the hidden risks of poor maintenance, and how to prevent them through proper care.

• By Ryan Pfund
• Jun 30, 2025

In any industrial work setting where there is a risk of chemical or physical hazards, having immediate access to emergency drench showers and eye/face wash units is of paramount importance. However, if these safety fixtures aren’t properly maintained, these lifesaving devices can turn into safety hazards.

A poorly maintained emergency shower or eyewash station is vulnerable to contamination or malfunctioning when it is needed in an urgent situation, and potentially worsen an injury instead of abating it. In addition to functionality, unchecked units can become a breeding ground for bacteria and sediment buildup. This can cause contamination during use, risking infection, putting workers and businesses at risk.

The Hazards of Poor Maintenance

There are several ways unmaintained emergency equipment can pose dangers, such as:

Contamination. Seldom used and/or tested emergency fixtures are likely to have stagnant or untreated water, which is more likely to contain organisms and minerals. If an eyewash station is not properly maintained, stagnant or contaminated water can come into contact with the eye, skin, or be inhaled. Exposure to contaminated water through eyewashes or showers can lead to serious health complications, including respiratory or eye infections.

Water Temperature Harm. If a worker is exposed to extreme water temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, it can result in further injury or shock. ANSI Z358.1-2014 suggests an incoming water temperature between 60° F and 100° F (15.6-37.8° C). This temperature range feels most comfortable to users and helps encourage the full 15-minute flush of the injured area.

Clogged or Malfunctioning Spray Heads. Accumulation of dust, debris, and minerals can obstruct eyewash nozzles or showerheads, diminishing water flow and their capacity to effectively remove hazardous substances. In emergencies, low water pressure or uneven spray patterns can impede workers' ability to properly flush affected areas, potentially resulting in extended exposure to harmful chemicals.

Obstructed Access to Fixtures. In addition to being well-maintained, an eyewash station or emergency shower is only useful if it’s accessible. Too often these fixtures become inadvertently blocked by stored equipment, boxes, or machinery. In an emergency, every second counts. An obstructed fixture can delay crucial first aid, increasing the severity of chemical burns or contamination.

Corroded or Broken Parts. Like any plumbing fixture, eyewash stations and emergency showers are subject to wear and tear. Problems such as corroded pipes, broken spray heads or hoses can all negatively impact usage and may not be able to deliver the ANSI-required 15-minute continuous flow of water.

Failing to perform regular maintenance on emergency fixtures doesn’t just pose harm and health risks to workers—it can also have financial and legal repercussions. OSHA and ANSI regulations stipulate that emergency showers and eyewashes must be regularly inspected and tested. Failure to do so can result in fines, lawsuits, and damage a business’s reputation.

Guidelines for Testing and Cleaning

To prevent these hazards, following a proactive maintenance routine is important. Below are best practices for testing and maintenance of emergency showers and eyewashes to ensure they are in good working condition when needed:

Weekly Testing and Activation

• Flush the System: Activate the eye/face wash long enough to clear stagnant water and debris.
• Examine Spray Heads: It’s important that all heads of the device are activated.
• Inspect for Corrosion, Leaks or Damage: Look for leaks and damage in pipes or hoses; check that the unit is functioning properly.
• Check Water Condition: Water should look clear and be free of any foul odors that could indicate contamination.

Monthly Inspection

• Ensure Tepid Water Availability.
• Inspect for Leaks, Rust or Damage.
• Activate the Fixture. Ensure the handle or foot pedal works properly.

Annual Inspection and Maintenance

1. Conduct a Full ANSI Compliance Audit: Ensure the unit meets all flow rate, temperature, and accessibility requirements.
2. Replace Worn Components: Damaged or broken parts like spray heads, valves, or hoses should be changed.
3. Check Station Placement. Confirm units are within a 10-second reach of hazardous areas and are not obstructed. Always be sure to conduct site surveys in the event of expanding, relocating or modifying onsite work processes.

Recommendations for Long-Term Maintenance

Select Eyewash Models for Increased Hygiene. A newer eye/face wash model utilizes a self-draining design that eliminates any settled water in the system. This model also incorporates separate supply and waste pipes to prevent cross-contamination from the clean inlet and wastewater. Another feature to look for is hinged see-through plastic or stainless steel bowl covers that shield the entire bowl from misuse and contamination.

Install Reliable Water Heating Solutions. Use equipment such as TMVs and tankless water heaters, which are designed to properly regulate water temperature for on-demand usage:

• Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs): These valves blend hot and cold water to deliver a consistent tepid temperature and automatically adjust to fluctuations in supply, ensuring a steady output within ANSI-compliant limits. They also include a cold-water bypass to ensure cold water can be supplied if the hot water is interrupted. Look for models that precisely control output temperature – delivering accurate temperature control to within ± 3° – and provide protection from variations in input temperature and pressure.
• Tankless Water Heaters: Another optimal solution for delivering heated water “as needed.” These units offer a limitless supply of water at a predetermined temperature as required, making them particularly suitable for use in eyewash stations and drench shower systems. Additional benefits of tankless heating units are they draw energy only when needed, reach the ANSI standards for tepid water temperatures in 20 to 30 seconds, hold outlet temperature to within ± 1° F, and have a low pressure drop (as low as 8 pounds per square inch).

Conduct Periodic Job Site Evaluations. During a worksite walk-through, it is essential to reference the ANSI/ISEA Z358.1–2014 emergency equipment standard, which outlines the specific requirements for emergency eyewash and drench shower equipment installation, testing, performance, maintenance, training and use. Safety data sheets (SDS) are an excellent source for determining protection needs, as they contain the first aid information stating if drenching facilities are required.

Some product manufacturers offer complimentary safety shower and eyewash system site surveys to check equipment operation and placement, and compliance with the ANSI/ISEA Z358.1–2014.

Prioritize Documentation. Keep a log of weekly inspections, maintenance and any incidents where the equipment was used. Document any repairs or maintenance conducted on the equipment. Inspection tags are often included with fixtures to document testing and to satisfy a regulatory safety audit. Keeping a dated checklist for inspections helps follow-through and accountability.

In closing, regular maintenance of emergency showers and eyewash stations is crucial for workplace safety. Poor upkeep can make the units hazardous, ironically, when used to mitigate injury. Facility managers should routinely inspect and maintain these fixtures to ensure they work correctly and are in compliance with ANSI/ISEA. Prioritizing upkeep ensures emergency fixtures are ready when needed most.

This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.