Eyewash Station Temperature Checks

Question:

How often do we need to conduct eyewash station temperature checks? And, does that check require the temperature to be documented or just that the water is in acceptable range?

Answer:

If you follow ANSI standards, the eye wash must be checked weekly, which would include a check of the temperature.  This normally is just the testing person feeling the temperature to ensure it is neither too hot or too cold.  They expect the eye wash to be attached to a mixing valve that provides a proper mix of hot and cold water.  

So, if there is a mixing valve and staff are testing weekly (and can describe how they are testing it, including temperature), you should be fine.  We normally see the initials and date eyewash station temperature checks are conducted but not specific detail of the temperature. 

We would also recommend checking the MIFU for each eyewash. Some manufacturers are providing greater specificity in how the functionality tests should be performed, and in some instances require more formal temperature assessment methods. 

Most surveyors will survey to the ANSI standards for eye washes.  We have heard The Joint Commission state that testing does not have to be weekly and we have seen at least one hospital system do it less frequently than weekly with success on survey.