Emergency Shower and Eyewash Flushing Guide

Introduction

It is the responsibility of the Principle Investigator/Laboratory Manager or Supervisor to see that emergency shower and eyewash units are flushed regularly. This ensures that fluid is being supplied to the units. The intent of flushing is two-fold: to ensure the safety of the laboratory equipment for staff and students in the space at all times and that fluid is being supplied to the unit; to purge supply lines so that in the event of emergency use, the fluid supplied is not stagnant, sediment has not built up, and to minimize microbial contamination. ANSI Standard Z358.1-2004 states that this flushing is to occur weekly.

Scope

This guide applies to all University employees, contractors, and persons who perform weekly flushing of emergency shower and/or eyewash equipment.

Flushing of Emergency Shower Units

Materials needed for flushing, which EMS provides include:

shower test bucket
water chute
mop and bucket

Flushing of Emergency Eyewash Units

Materials needed for the flush include:

a small container (spill pan or similar) that can fit below the drain pipe
mop and bucket