Emergency eyewash station weekly activation – frequently asked questions
Nevada Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations require that weekly flushing of eyewash stations is performed. While Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) conducts regular inspections of safety equipment, the number of eyewashes and existing EH&S staffing levels prevent the department from performing weekly flushing of every eyewash station. Your cooperation in this effort is crucial to maintaining the safety of our campus community.
In 2022, Nevada OSHA issued , adopting the American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment, ANSI Z358.1, as law. Among the requirements of this standard is weekly activation of plumbed eyewash units.
Yes, EH&S staff will still complete monthly and annual testing of each station. The annual test is much more detailed and includes verification of flow rate, spray patterns, and temperature.
No, the date card is for the monthly and annual inspections performed by Environmental Health & Safety only.
No, Environmental Health & Safety is not tracking weekly activations of eyewashes. Per the , “It is highly recommended that employers document all inspection efforts with at least a checklist, employee name, and date of inspection.” It is up to each group or department how they would like to handle documentation of their activities.
There are no training requirements for the activation test, so anyone from the space may do the activation test. Whether that be the PIs, student workers, administrative staff, or anyone else using the space.
- If you are the sole user/owner of a space containing an eyewash, it is your responsibility to do the weekly testing.
- For shared spaces, groups may wish to coordinate with other occupants to avoid duplication of efforts. For units in common spaces such as hallways, the activation of eyewashes will be the responsibility of the department.
Injured individuals are often unfamiliar with the location of nearby washing stations and often hesitate to use them when needed. Supervisors are encouraged to use these weekly tests as a training opportunity for workers to familiarize themselves with the location and function of eyewash units.
Supervisors may wish to coordinate eyewash activation responsibility in order to avoid duplicating efforts, but there is no limit to how many times an eyewash unit can be activated.
See the video at the bottom of the page for a demonstration of the weekly test.
Step 1: Make sure that eyewash is positioned over a drain or sink.
- Most units next to sinks are “drench hoses” that can be elevated and also used as a shower. Lift the drench hose and position the nozzle to spray directly down into sink.
- Other units attached near sinks may swivel side to side. If this is the case, position the unit so that it is over the sink or drain.
Step 2: Most eyewashes can be activated by either pushing a paddle forward or by squeezing a handle. Gently push the paddle or squeeze the handle until water flows.
- Water should be allowed to flow until it runs clear or for about three seconds.
If your eyewash unit requires maintenance or repairs, please contact Facilities Services.
No, the safety showers are not a part of this program. Environmental Health & Safety will continue to activate showers monthly.
No, weekly testing of mounted bottles or portable canisters is not required. However, self-contained emergency eyewash and shower stations are required to be inspected weekly to determine if flushing fluid needs to be changed or supplemented.
Please contact Environmental Health & Safety at (775) 327-5040 so we can evaluate your situation on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact Environmental Health & Safety at (775) 327-5040 so we can evaluate your situation on a case-by-case basis.