Simple Maintenance Steps to Keep Your Emergency Equipment Ready When It Matters Most
Emergency safety showers and eye wash stations are among the most critical pieces of safety equipment in any workplace dealing with chemicals, dust, or hazardous materials. But even the most durable systems need attention. Over time, valves stiffen, plastics degrade, aerators clog, and performance can drop without anyone noticing until an emergency happens.
Regular maintenance keeps these life-saving units compliant, reliable and ready to activate instantly when seconds matter. In this blog, we’ll look at the three components that require the most frequent upkeep and explain how simple routine checks can prevent system failures.
Why Preventative Maintenance Matters
Emergency equipment is designed to respond immediately. A stuck valve, a cracked plastic bowl or a clogged aerator can slow water flow or create unsafe conditions during a real incident. Under AS4775 guidelines, safety showers and eye wash stations must be capable of delivering continuous, clean water at the correct flow rate and that is only possible when all parts are functioning properly.
Knowing which components wear out fastest helps you stay ahead of problems and avoid costly downtime or compliance issues.
1. Valves – The Workhorses Behind the Flow
Valves are the heart of both safety showers and eye wash stations. They are responsible for delivering instant, continuous water flow with no hesitation or partial activation.
Over time, valves can become compromised due to mineral build-up, corrosion, exposure to harsh environments and frequent or improper use. Common warning signs include stiffness, slow activation or leakage. If a valve fails to open smoothly, it can delay decontamination and increase the risk of injury. Regularly testing and replacing worn valves keeps the system responsive and ensures reliable performance during emergencies.
2. Plastic Components – Vulnerable to UV and Chemical Exposure
Bowls, covers, fittings and other plastic parts face constant environmental stress, especially in outdoor, industrial or chemical-handling areas.
Plastics can degrade due to UV exposure, extreme heat or cold, chemical vapours and impact damage. Cracking, fading, brittleness or distortion all indicate that replacement is due. Damaged plastics can compromise water flow, contaminate rinse water or reduce structural integrity. Using UV-stabilised, chemically resistant plastics helps extend lifespan, but periodic replacement is still essential for long-term reliability.
3. Aerators – Small Parts With a Big Impact
Aerators found at the end of many eye wash outlets may be small, but they play a major role in user safety. They help regulate water pressure and create a gentle, controlled stream to avoid further eye damage during rinsing.
However, aerators are especially prone to clogging from dirt, dust or debris, mineral deposits and stagnant water, particularly if weekly testing is skipped. A blocked aerator reduces water flow, disrupts pressure and may prevent the eye wash from meeting AS4775 flow-rate requirements. Regular cleaning and timely replacement keep water distribution balanced and hygienic.
Keeping Your Workplace Safe and Compliant
Preventative maintenance is one of the simplest ways to ensure your safety showers and eye wash stations stay compliant, effective and ready for use. Monitoring valves, plastics and aerators and replacing them at the first sign of wear extends the life of your equipment and protects the people who rely on it.
A well-maintained system doesn’t just meet standards. It delivers peace of mind. When an emergency happens, every second counts and your equipment should perform flawlessly.
Ready to Keep Your Equipment in Top Shape?
If your safety shower or eye wash system hasn’t been inspected recently, now is a great time to schedule a quick check. Replacing worn parts early ensures your equipment stays compliant, reliable and ready to protect your team when it matters most.
