First Aid & Safety

Eyewash Station Weekly Inspection Checklist (Free PDF)

Q: Why should eyewash stations be activated every week?

Weekly activation verifies the eyewash station functions properly while flushing stagnant water from the supply line. Regular testing helps ensure clean water is immediately available during an emergency and identifies maintenance issues before they become safety hazards.

Q: Can employees wear contact lenses while using an eyewash station?

Yes. Employees should begin flushing immediately and remove contact lenses as soon as possible during the flushing process. Contact lenses can trap chemicals against the eye, making prompt removal important.

Q: Who is responsible for inspecting eyewash stations?

Weekly inspections are typically performed by trained maintenance personnel, EHS professionals, safety coordinators, or other designated employees. Inspections should follow a consistent process and be documented.

Q: Should eyewash station inspections be documented?

Yes. Documenting weekly inspections provides evidence that the station has been tested, supports compliance efforts, creates accountability, and helps identify maintenance issues before an emergency occurs.

Last updated: July 2026

TL;DR

Emergency eyewash stations can only protect employees if they’re ready to use when an incident occurs. That’s why OSHA requires suitable facilities for flushing the eyes and ANSI Z358.1 recommends inspecting and activating plumbed eyewash stations weekly to verify proper operation. This guide explains what to check during each inspection, common issues that can leave stations noncompliant, and how consistent documentation helps support workplace safety and regulatory readiness. Plus, download a free weekly eyewash station inspection checklist to simplify your inspections.

Why Weekly Eyewash Station Inspections Matter

When a chemical splash or airborne contaminant reaches an employee’s eyes, immediate access to a properly functioning eyewash station can help reduce the severity of the injury. If the station doesn’t activate, the water flow is inadequate, or access is blocked, those critical first moments are lost.

That’s why a consistent weekly eyewash station inspection is an important part of every facility’s safety program. Using a standardized eyewash station checklist helps maintenance teams, EHS managers, and safety professionals inspect each unit the same way every time, reducing the chance that a problem goes unnoticed until an emergency occurs.

A comprehensive eyewash station inspection checklist can help your facility:

Verify the eyewash station activates properly and is ready for immediate use.
Identify maintenance issues before they become safety or compliance concerns.
Standardize weekly inspections across departments, shifts, or multiple facilities.
Document inspections to support OSHA compliance efforts and ANSI Z358.1 recommendations.
Build confidence that emergency equipment will perform when employees need it most.

Anyone responsible for conducting eyewash station inspections should understand the applicable OSHA eyewash requirements and ANSI Z358.1 recommendations.

OSHA Eyewash Requirements Explained

Both OSHA and ANSI have requirements for the workplace (read our full guide here) including eyewash stations. OSHA is considered the enforcement agency, while ANSI sets the standards. In the case of eyewash stations, OSHA references the ANSI standard, but they do not require compliance with it. In order to meet best management practices, a good safety program will follow both the OSHA and ANSI standards.

OSHA 1910.151(c) states the following regarding eyewash stations:

That where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.

OSHA further elaborates on the work conditions that would require an eyewash station or shower in a Letter of Interpretation dated April 14, 2008.

The American National Standards Institute’s emergency eyewash and equipment standard (ANSI Z358.1-2014) sets the standard for proper eyewash equipment selection, installation, operation, and maintenance.

The eyewash station checklist below covers key points in the ANSI standard in the areas of operation and maintenance. The checklist assumes the unit has been properly selected and installed.

Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines if you are installing an eyewash unit yourself. Great care should be taken when determining the distance from the hazard, any possible obstructions, such as stairs or doors, and height/accessibility requirements.

Download the PDF and complete this eyewash station checklist weekly for each eyewash station at your facility.

Weekly Eyewash Inspection Checklist (PDF)

In order to ensure a successful eyewash program, you should conduct an annual audit to make sure all stations are in compliance. You should also audit the program any time new work hazards are introduced or relocated within your facility.

Eyewash Station Training

All employees must be familiar with the location and use of eyewash and safety showers, even if their job does not involve working directly with toxic or corrosive chemicals. Why? You may be called upon to aid a fellow employee who has had an exposure.

Eyewash Station Training Points for Eye and Face Protection

Hold eyelids open using the thumb and index finger to help ensure that effective rinsing has occurred behind the eyelid. It is normal to close eyes tightly when splashed, but this will prevent water or eye solution from rinsing and washing the chemical out.
Eyelids must be held open.
Always wash from the outside edges of the eyes to the inside; this will help to avoid washing the chemicals back into the eyes or into an unaffected eye.
Water or eye solution should NOT be directly aimed onto the eyeball but aimed at the base of the nose.
Flush eyes and eyelids with water or eye solution for a minimum of 15 minutes.
“Roll” eyes around to ensure full rinsing.
Contact lenses must be removed as soon as possible to ensure that chemicals are not trapped behind the lenses and then the eyes can be completely rinsed of any harmful chemicals.

Conclusion

Weekly inspections can be performed by maintenance personnel, EHS professionals, or any employee who has been trained on your facility’s eyewash inspection procedures. The key is establishing a consistent process so inspections are completed on schedule, documented properly, and any deficiencies are corrected promptly.

Some manufacturers choose to manage these inspections internally, while others partner with a third-party provider to simplify compliance and reduce the administrative burden. For facilities using ITU AbsorbTech’s managed eyewash service, weekly inspections can be completed by a certified First Aid Specialist during regularly scheduled service visits. Specialists inspect and flush plumbed eyewash stations, document each inspection, identify maintenance concerns, and help ensure stations remain ready for use.

This service is currently available throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Learn more about ITU AbsorbTech’s First Aid services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eyewash Stations

How often should an eyewash station be inspected?

Eyewash stations should be inspected at least once every week. Weekly inspections verify that the unit activates properly, delivers clean water, remains accessible, and is ready for emergency use. ANSI recommends weekly inspections, and documenting them helps support a strong workplace safety program.

Does OSHA require eyewash stations?

OSHA requires suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes wherever employees may be exposed to corrosive materials. While OSHA enforces workplace safety regulations, it references ANSI Z358.1 as the recognized industry standard for eyewash station selection, installation, and maintenance.

What is the difference between OSHA and ANSI requirements for eyewash stations?

OSHA establishes the legal requirement to provide emergency eyewash facilities when workers face corrosive hazards. ANSI Z358.1 provides detailed guidance on how eyewash stations should be installed, tested, maintained, and inspected to meet accepted industry best practices.

What should be checked during a weekly eyewash station inspection?

A weekly inspection should confirm the eyewash station is unobstructed, activates correctly, provides clean water, has adequate flow, is free of damage, and has visible signage. The inspection should also verify that protective dust covers are in place and all components function properly.

How close should an eyewash station be to a workplace hazard?

An eyewash station should generally be reachable within 10 seconds of the hazard without obstacles blocking access. Employees should be able to reach the station quickly, even if their vision is impaired following a chemical exposure.

Why should eyewash stations be activated every week?

Weekly activation helps verify the unit works properly while flushing stagnant water from the supply line. Regular testing helps ensure clean water is available immediately during an emergency and can identify maintenance issues before they become safety risks.

How long should you flush your eyes after chemical exposure?

Eyes should be flushed continuously for at least 15 minutes after exposure to hazardous chemicals. During flushing, keep the eyelids open, roll the eyes to ensure thorough rinsing, and remove contact lenses as soon as possible if they can be removed safely.

Can employees wear contact lenses while using an eyewash station?

Yes. Contact lenses should be removed as soon as possible during flushing because they can trap chemicals against the eye. Flushing should begin immediately and continue while lenses are removed if necessary.

Who is responsible for inspecting eyewash stations?

Weekly inspections can be performed by trained maintenance personnel, EHS professionals, safety coordinators, or other designated employees. The important factor is that inspections follow a consistent process and are properly documented.

Should eyewash station inspections be documented?

Yes. Recording weekly inspections provides evidence that the station has been tested, supports compliance efforts, creates accountability, and helps identify recurring maintenance issues before an emergency occurs.

Do employees need eyewash station training?

Yes. All employees should know where eyewash stations are located and how to use them, even if they do not regularly handle hazardous chemicals. In an emergency, any employee may need to assist an injured coworker.

How often should an eyewash program be audited?

In addition to weekly inspections, facilities should conduct an annual audit of their eyewash program. The program should also be reviewed whenever new chemicals, equipment, or workplace hazards are introduced or relocated.