EN 15154 establishes the standard for the design, performance, and maintenance of safety showers and eyewashes. Adhering to this standard is essential to ensure that these critical safety devices are always ready to deliver immediate first aid in the event of exposure to hazardous substances. Lean here everything you need to know, to understand EN 15154 and to how to be compliance.
The European standard for eyewashes and safety showers
Best Practice Checklist for EN 15154
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Compliance with EN 15154 is not just about meeting legal requirements — it's about safeguarding the health of employees.
Which chapter of EN 15154 applies to which type of Safety Shower or Eyewash?
EN 15154 sets out specific requirements for emergency safety showers and eyewashes, depending on their type, installation method, and location. Below is a breakdown of each scenario and the applicable chapter:
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| Equipment | Installation | Site | Chapter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body shower | Plumbed-in | Laboratory | EN15154-1 |
| Body shower | Plumbed-in | Not a laboratory | EN15154-5 |
| Body shower (multi nozzles) |
Plumbed-in | Not a laboratory | EN15154-6 |
| Body shower | Not plumbed-in | All | EN15154-3 |
| Eyewash | Plumbed-in | All | EN15154-2 |
| Eyewash | Not plumbed-in | All | EN15154-4 |
| Combination shower | Plumbed-in | Laboratory | EN15154-1 and EN15154-2 |
| Combination shower | Plumbed-in | Not a laboratory | EN15154-2 and EN15154-5 |
Here you can purchase the EN 15154 standards.
for Routine Testing of Plumbed-In Eyewashes and Safety Showers.
Best Practice Checklist for EN 15154
This checklist is designed to help you perform regular or weekly inspections of eyewashes and safety showers, ensuring they are ready to provide effective first aid in case of an emergency. Be sure to align this checklist with your facility’s specific standards, as requirements may differ.
All questions should be answered with "Yes" to confirm that the emergency equipment can deliver effective first aid. If any question is answered with "No," the equipment may not be able to provide effective first aid, and corrective actions must be taken immediately. Use the form on the last page to document your testing. For comprehensive compliance checks or testing of new installations, refer to the complete EN 15154 standard and other relevant safety regulations.
1. Site Inspection
1.1. Is the path to the emergency equipment free of obstructions?
1.2. Is the emergency equipment clearly designated by highly visible signage?
1.3. Are there no electrical or other hazards near the emergency equipment that could make its use dangerous?
2. General Equipment Inspection
2.1. Is the safety equipment clean and free of debris?
2.2. Are there no broken parts or visible pipe damage?
2.3. Is there no leakage present in the safety equipment?
2.4. Are the eyewash outlets protected from airborne contaminants?
2.5. Is the actuator easy to locate and easily accessible?
2.6. Is the inspection tag available and up to date?
3. Water Flow Inspection
3.1. Is the water clean and clear?
3.2. Does water flow start within one second or less after activation?
3.3. Is the full water flow reached within three seconds?
3.4. Does the valve remain open after activation without manual intervention?
3.5. Is the emergency equipment capable of delivering the required water flow for a full 15 minutes?
3.6. If applicable: Is the water temperature maintained between 15 and 37°C, ideally within the 20–25°C range?
4. Safety Shower Specifics
4.1. Does the safety shower deliver at least 60 liters per minute, or more according to its class? (Refer to the nameplate for class specifics.)
4.2. Is the flow pattern evenly distributed over the entire footprint?
5. Eyewash Specifics
5.1. Do the eyewash covers open automatically upon operation?
5.2. Does the eyewash deliver at least 6 liters per minute?
5.3. Is the jet height between 100 and 300 mm from the nozzle?
5.4. Does the eyewash deliver a controlled, non-injurious flow?
5.5. Is the eyewash capable of flushing both eyes simultaneously?
5.6. Does the eyewash provide enough space to hold the eyes open during rinsing?
6. Combination Shower Specifics
6.1. Does the combination shower comply with all requirements for a safety shower (chapter 4)?
6.2. Does the combination shower comply with all requirements for an eyewash (chapter 5)?
6.3. Does the combination shower maintain the required flow when both the body shower and eyewash are activated simultaneously?
7. Completion of the Testing
7.1. Is the testing report completed?
7.2. Have any identified problems been reported immediately?
7.3. Has any water spillage been cleaned up to prevent slip hazards?
EN 15154
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Here you can download our EN 15154 best practice check list, the testing report forms, and the work sheet.
Tools to help you perform the testing efficiently
EN 15154 Compliance for Safety Showers and Eyewashes
10 frequently asked questions about the EN 15154 standard for emergency showers and eye washes
1. What is EN 15154, and why is it important?
EN 15154 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for emergency safety showers and eyewashes. Compliance with this standard ensures that safety showers and eyewashes provide effective first aid during emergencies, minimizing the risk of injury from exposure to hazardous substances and improving overall workplace safety.
2. Which types of safety equipment does EN 15154 cover?
EN 15154 covers a range of safety equipment, including plumbed-in emergency safety showers, eyewashes, and combination units. The standard is divided into different parts, each addressing specific types of safety showers, eyewashes, and face washes to ensure comprehensive safety in various environments.
3. What are the main requirements for safety showers under EN 15154?
Safety showers compliant to EN 15154 must deliver a continuous flow of water at a specified rate and within a recommended temperature range for a minimum duration. The water flow should cover the entire body, ensuring thorough decontamination in case of exposure to harmful substances.
4. What are the key requirements for eyewashes according to EN 15154?
Eyewashes must provide a consistent and controlled flow of water to both eyes simultaneously. EN 15154 specifies the flow rate and pattern to ensure effective eye flushing, with recommending water maintained at a tepid temperature for comfort and safety during emergency use.
5. How often should safety showers and eyewashes be tested to comply with EN 15154?
To comply with EN 15154, safety showers and eyewashes should undergo regular testing as defined by the manufacturer. These tests confirm that the equipment is fully operational, including immediate and sustained water flow, and that there are no obstructions or issues that could impede their effectiveness in an emergency.
6. What should I do if my safety shower or eyewash doesn’t meet EN 15154 standards?
If your safety shower or eyewash fails to meet EN 15154 standards, it’s crucial to take immediate corrective action. This may include repairing, replacing, or adjusting the equipment to ensure it complies with all necessary requirements and is ready for use in an emergency.
7. What is the recommended water temperature for safety showers and eyewashes under EN 15154?
EN 15154 recommends that water used in safety showers and eyewashes be tepid, ideally maintained between 20°C and 25°C, but within a range of 15°C to 37°C. This temperature range is critical for effective decontamination while preventing thermal shock or discomfort.
8. Do I need to keep records of my safety equipment tests?
Yes, maintaining detailed records of all inspections and tests of safety showers and eyewashes is essential for EN 15154 compliance. These records are crucial for monitoring equipment performance over time and are often required during safety audits.
9. Are there specific installation requirements for safety showers and eyewashes under EN 15154?
EN 15154 requires that safety showers and eyewashes be installed in easily accessible locations, free from obstructions, and clearly marked with appropriate signage. The route to the equipment should be straightforward and unobstructed to ensure quick access in an emergency.
10. What are the consequences of non-compliance with EN 15154?
Non-compliance with EN 15154 can lead to serious safety hazards, legal repercussions, and financial penalties. Additionally, the failure of safety showers or eyewashes to function correctly during an emergency could result in more severe injuries.
Contact Haws EMEA, the Experts in Eyewashes and Safety Showers
Understanding EN 15154 is crucial to making sure your safety showers and eyewashes are compliant and ready to protect your team. Our best practice checklist will guide you in maintaining your emergency equipment for optimal performance. Ready to ensure your safety equipment meets EN 15154 standards? Contact us today for expert advice and solutions.
