Emergency Showers & Eyewashes

In New Zealand, emergency showers and eyewash stations should comply with AS 4775:2007 or ANSI Z 358.1 which outlines performance requirements for flow rate, activation time, water pattern, temperature, and accessibility.

Key compliance points include:

• Hands-free activation within 1 second
• Continuous flow for 15 minutes minimum
• Eye/face wash flow rate: at least 11.4 L/min
• Emergency shower flow rate: minimum 75.7 L/min
• Tepid water delivery (16–38°C) to prevent thermal shock
• Unobstructed access within 10 seconds travel time
• Showers and eyewashes to be flushed weekly and tested annually

Our range of emergency showers and eyewash units are built, tested, and certified to meet the requirements of AS 4775, ensuring workplaces meet their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

pH7 offers a complete range of plumbed-in and self-contained emergency decontamination systems suitable for laboratories, manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, and outdoor sites.

Our range includes:

• Plumbed emergency showers – floor-mounted or wall-mounted units for continuous decontamination.
• Plumbed eyewash stations – bowl-style, over-the-sink units, or wall-mounted eyewash systems.
• Combination shower and eyewash units – ideal for high-risk environments where full-body and eye flushing may be required simultaneously.
• Portable eyewash units – gravity-fed systems for locations without plumbing or remote/temporary worksites.
• Freeze-protected and UV-resistant outdoor units – suitable for extreme climate conditions.
• Saline based eyewash systems – The Tobin eyewash system provides quick access to sterile saline for rapid response to chemical and mechanical eye injuries.

Each unit is designed for tepid water delivery, hands-free operation, and corrosion resistance, ensuring full compliance with AS 4775.

Emergency decontamination equipment must be installed in locations that allow immediate, unobstructed access. Under AS 4775 / ANSI Z358.1, emergency showers and eyewashes must:

• Be within 10 seconds (or ~15 metres) of the hazard.
• Be located on the same level as the hazard (no stairs).
• Have clear, unobstructed access with no barriers such as doors, machinery, or stored materials.
• Be clearly marked with high-visibility signage.
• Be installed in well-lit, easily identifiable areas.
• Have drainage that prevents water pooling or contamination.

Outdoor units should be UV-stabilised, frost-protected, and equipped with insulated or heated lines if exposed to cold climates. pH7 provides site layout support to help workplaces meet all installation requirements.

Under AS 4775, emergency showers and eyewashes must undergo:

• Weekly activation tests to flush stagnant water, verify flow, and ensure valves operate correctly.
• Annual full compliance inspections to validate performance against the standard.
• Routine cleaning and descaling to prevent microbial growth.
• Regular checks of signage, lighting, drainage, and tepid water supply.

For portable eyewash units, the water must be changed and sanitised according to manufacturer instructions, usually every three to six months.

pH7 offers annual compliance testing services, inspection documentation, and replacement parts, ensuring your emergency equipment remains audit-ready and fully functional.

The correct unit depends on the hazard type, chemical properties, and site layout. When selecting equipment, assess:

• Chemical exposure – corrosives, solvents, acids, and alkalis may require combination units.
• Risk level – high-volume or splash-risk areas benefit from full-body showers.
• Plumbing availability – remote or temporary sites may require portable eyewash units.
• Environmental conditions – outdoor locations may require heated, insulated, or UV-protected systems.
• Workplace layout – ensure placement meets the 10-second rule and provides clear access routes.