Why Weekly Safety Shower Testing Isn’t Optional — And How to Do It Right

Over 80% of installed units in the region fail this simple readiness test. Valve seizing, scale buildup, and blocked nozzles are all common in dusty, high-heat conditions like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

EMERGENCY SAFETY SHOWERSEYE FACE WASH STATIONSANSI COMPLIANCEEN COMPLIANCE

Sava Safety Showers

6/2/20251 min read

Why Weekly Safety Shower Testing Isn’t Optional — And How to Do It Right

When was the last time your emergency shower or eyewash station was tested? If it wasn’t this week, your site may already be non-compliant.

The 1-Second Rule That Could Save a Life

ANSI Z358.1 requires that all safety showers and eyewashes activate in one second or less. Why? Because in the event of a chemical splash or gas exposure, delay equals damage.

But here’s the reality:
Over 80% of installed units in the region fail this simple readiness test. Valve seizing, scale buildup, and blocked nozzles are all common in dusty, high-heat conditions like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

What the Standards Say

  • ANSI Z358.1 (US Standard): Requires weekly activation and annual flow testing.

  • EN 15154 (EU Standard): Recommends routine inspections and temperature control.

How to Run a Weekly Inspection (Properly)

  1. Activate the shower and eyewash

  2. Confirm full water flow starts in ≤ 1 second

  3. Ensure flow is continuous and tepid (16–38°C)

  4. Check nozzles for obstructions or dust caps

  5. Document the test on a weekly log sheet (we have one you can download [here])

Sava Can Help

  • Supply of pre-tagged inspection kits

  • Printable ANSI/EN checklists

  • Commissioning and flow test reports

  • Annual re-certification support

Don’t let compliance slip through the cracks. One five-minute test could prevent a disaster—or a shutdown.

Contact us for a downloadable weekly inspection pack or book an annual certification audit with our UAE-based team.

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