Does your facility’s emergency response plan ensure immediate access to a 15-minute flush of tepid water for employees working near certain hazards?

Workplaces where employees face risks from chemicals, dust or flammable materials must have readily available eyewash stations and safety showers. When installed and used correctly, these plumbed fixtures provide immediate emergency decontamination from direct exposure to hazardous substances.

Personal protective equipment, such as goggles, offers an essential first line of defence against chemical splashes and other hazardous exposures. However, immediate, clear and unobstructed access to emergency showers and eyewashes provides the next level of protection in the event of exposure. Therefore, it is vital to remain informed about the selection, placement and maintenance of plumbed emergency fixtures. Additionally, the equipment must comply with Australian safety standards. The following best practices will help ensure your facility’s safety measures are as effective as possible in an emergency.

Conduct a site survey
Start by evaluating the workplace to identify high-risk areas, potential hazards and emergency needs. Assess factors such as product location, water supply, water temperature, accessibility and equipment suitability.

During a facility inspection, refer to Australian safety standards regarding emergency eyewash and drench shower installation, testing, performance, maintenance, training and use. Safety data sheets (SDS) provide valuable information on first aid requirements and when drenching equipment is necessary.

Some manufacturers offer complimentary site surveys to assess safety shower and eyewash compliance. These surveys should include a review of the relevant standard and provide recommendations for equipment operation and placement to meet corporate safety objectives.

Jobsite evaluations should not be a one-off task. Work environments frequently change, so assessments should be conducted annually to verify the correct type, quantity, installation and location of emergency fixtures. Additionally, site surveys should be carried out before expanding, relocating or modifying onsite work processes.

Compare the equipment options
Choose equipment based on the type and extent of potential exposure, as well as the number of employees at risk. Consider the following fixture types:

Emergency eyewash stations: Suitable for spills, splashes, dust or debris affecting only the eyes. These provide a controlled flow of water to both eyes simultaneously and an uninterrupted 15-minute supply of tepid water. Plumbed units can supply between 7.5 and 19 litres of water per minute.
Emergency eye/face wash stations: Designed for situations where the entire face is at risk from spills, splashes, dust and debris. These units irrigate the eyes and face simultaneously with a minimum flow of 11.4 litres per minute.
Drench showers: Used when larger areas of the body are exposed to hazardous substances. These flush a greater portion of the body but are not suitable for the eyes. A combination eyewash and drench shower is the best option for flushing the eyes and rinsing the body simultaneously.

Maintaining an appropriate water temperature encourages affected employees to complete the full 15-minute flush during an emergency. Australian standards recommend an incoming water temperature between 15.6 and 37.8 degrees Celsius.

Limited space is a common concern in many workplaces. A swing-activated eyewash model is an efficient solution for classrooms, laboratories, healthcare facilities and other confined areas, integrating a sink faucet with a built-in eyewash.

During normal faucet use, the eyewash remains stored. In an emergency, users can activate it by swinging it out 90 degrees over the sink, ensuring clear access while preventing water from splashing onto floors and creating slip hazards.

Study placement guidelines
Facility managers often underestimate the necessary proximity between hazardous work areas and eyewash or safety shower equipment. The first few seconds after exposure to hazardous materials are critical for minimising injury.

To provide the best protection, Australian safety guidelines recommend:

Installing a drench shower, eyewash or combination unit within 10 seconds of a hazard, ensuring unobstructed access.
Positioning equipment on the same level as the potential hazard. If doors separate the hazard and the fixture, they must open in the direction of travel.
Ensuring the eyewash flow pattern is positioned between 84 and 135 centimetres from the floor.
Placing equipment closer to work areas where a worker’s mobility may be affected by chemical exposure.
Locating drench showers or eyewashes immediately adjacent to hazards involving highly corrosive chemicals.
Providing multiple fixtures in areas where chemical spills could impact several workers simultaneously, preventing delays in accessing emergency equipment.

Conduct weekly equipment inspections
Hazardous materials present varying risks that require ongoing safety measures. To ensure equipment remains operational, activate and inspect eyewash and drench showers weekly, as outlined in Australian safety regulations.

During these inspections, check that emergency fixtures are functioning correctly and that no components are missing or damaged. Flush all lines to clear debris and stagnant water, ensuring the eyewash, face wash and showerheads are not obstructed. This process prevents contamination and ensures the equipment is ready for use.

Inspection tags included with fixtures should be used to document testing and compliance with safety audits. Keeping a dated checklist aids in accountability and ensures inspections are carried out consistently.

Don’t forget employee training
While selecting and maintaining emergency eyewash equipment is crucial, training employees to use it effectively is equally important. Workers must know the location of emergency fixtures and understand how to use them correctly.

Provide written instructions, install clear signage and schedule hands-on training sessions to familiarise employees with the equipment. These proactive measures strengthen workplace safety and help protect employees in the event of an emergency.

A version of this article first appeared in CMM