Overview
The most common violations associated with shower/eyewash stations would be:
- Lacking
- Obstructed
- Not tested/flushed regularly
- In need of repair:
- Improper spray
- Water is discolored
- Caps out-of-place/missing/damaged
Lacking stations have been previously discussed. An obstructed station as shown in the picture should be fairly easy to identify.
Safety showers are tested annually by BSM. Check the shower for a tag that has been initialed and dated within the last year. If it is not present or is out of date, note this in the inspection and BSM will be notified to take action.
Eyewash stations are tested weekly or at least monthly by lab staff. Written logs of testing are not required but are a best practice. If there is no log, ask lab staff about testing. If they indicate it is done weekly or at least monthly, this is acceptable. If possible, carefully activate the eyewash. Look for rusty water, particulates, etc. If any of these are found, note it in the survey as it is unlikely that the eyewash has been tested regularly whether or not lab staff have said so.
Also check the eyewash for function primarily looking to see that water flows freely from the nozzles. Covers should be kept on the eyewash station nozzles to protect from dust and debris. This checklist item should be cited if the covers are not in place, are missing, or severely damaged.
One last note, some eyewashes can not be readily tested because they are either wall mounts that activate when opened soaking the wall and floor with water or are in some other way not readily testable. Note this on the survey. EHS is compiling a list for BSM on their locations so that they can be upgraded.