Eyewash Station Installation Checklist: Height, Drainage and Commissioning

Short answer: A compliant installation needs the spray pattern between 33 and 53 inches above the standing surface, at least 6 inches of clearance from any wall or obstruction, a supply that holds 0.4 GPM at 30 psi flowing, and a commissioning test that measures flow and temperature rather than eyeballing them.

Before the unit arrives

• Confirm the hazard points and walk the 10-second route from each one

• Confirm the supply branch size against the unit duty - eyewash only, or shower plus eyewash

• Confirm flowing pressure at the proposed outlet, not at the main

• Confirm drainage: floor drain, trench or containment

• Confirm the mounting surface can carry the unit plus a full water load

• Confirm ambient conditions: indoor, outdoor, corrosive, freezing

Mechanical installation

Commissioning test

1. Flow test. Run the unit and measure flow at the outlet. Compare with the specified figure at the specified pressure. Record both numbers, not just a pass/fail.

2. Temperature test. Let the line stabilise, then measure at the outlet. Record the reading against the tepid band of 60-100 F. If the site uses a tempering valve, record the set point too.

3. Spray pattern test. Both eyewash outlets must flow evenly and cover both eyes. Photograph the pattern - it is the fastest way to settle a later dispute about performance.

4. Duration test. Confirm the supply sustains flow for 15 minutes. On a tank-fed system this is the test that matters most.

5. Signage and lighting. The unit must be visible from the approach route and lit well enough to be found in a power failure, or the path must be marked with photoluminescent signage.

Handover documentation

Hand over four things and the first audit becomes routine: the measured flow and temperature record, the installation drawing with the unit position marked, the maintenance schedule with the weekly activation slot assigned to a named role, and the instruction manual in the language the operators read.

Frequently asked questions

Can the unit be mounted higher if workers are tall?

The band is defined by the spray pattern relative to the standing surface, not by user height. Adjust the standing surface or the model, not the pattern height.

Do I need a floor drain?

Not always, but you need a plan for the water. A 15-minute flush produces a significant volume, and a walkway that floods becomes a slip hazard next to a chemical hazard.

Is a shut-off valve allowed on the supply?

An isolation valve is normal for maintenance, but it must be locked open or clearly marked. A unit isolated during unrelated works and never reopened is a common audit finding.

How soon can the unit be used after installation?

After the commissioning test passes and the log is opened. Do not put a unit into service on the basis of a visual check.

Installation support

Every station we ship includes an installation guide, and we can review your drawing before the order is placed. See the full eyewash range or send us the site layout and supply data for a configuration review.

Sources: ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 installation, activation and tepid water requirements; CCOHS emergency shower installation guidance.