Free Safe Operating Procedure (Eye Wash Test) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Eye Wash Test) Template

Ensuring emergency eye wash stations are functional is a critical part of any workplace safety program, especially where chemicals or fine particles pose a risk to eye health. This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Eye Wash Test) Template provides a structured framework for conducting and documenting weekly activation tests.

Following a consistent procedure helps confirm that your equipment operates as intended, delivering clean water at the correct flow rate when needed most. It standardises the testing process for all relevant personnel, ensuring no steps are missed and that clear records are maintained.

This SOP serves as a practical tool within your broader WHS management systems to demonstrate proactive risk management.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Eye Wash Test) Template

Using this template is straightforward. First, download the file in your preferred format (DOCX for easy editing or PDF).

Next, customise the document by adding your company name, logo, site details, and the specific locations and models of your eye wash stations. The procedure outlines key steps for a weekly activation test, including checking for obstructions, activating the unit, assessing water flow and clarity, and recording the results.

While this template is aligned with Australian WHS principles, it is vital that you adapt it to your specific operational context.

Note: We have provided a comprehensive starting point based on common safety practices. However, you must customise this Safe Operating Procedure to reflect the specific eye wash equipment, potential hazards, and designated personnel at your workplace to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Tasks involving machinery, like those detailed in our free Air Compressor SOP, often require adjacent and fully functional safety equipment like eye wash stations.

When to use this Safe Operating Procedure

This Safe Operating Procedure should be used to guide the regular, scheduled testing of all plumbed and self-contained emergency eye wash units. The Australian Standard (AS 4775) recommends a weekly activation test to verify operation and flush sediment, rust, or bacteria from the lines, ensuring the water is clean and safe for use in an emergency.

This SOP should be performed at least once a week by a designated person. It is also best practice to conduct a test following any maintenance on the unit or the surrounding plumbing system, or after a period of prolonged inactivity, to confirm readiness. Using SOPs for routine checks is just as important as using them for high-risk tasks, such as those covered in our Circular Saw SOP.

Who should use this Safe Operating Procedure

This document is designed for any person responsible for workplace safety and equipment maintenance. This typically includes roles such as WHS Managers, Safety Officers, Maintenance Personnel, Site Supervisors, or designated first aid officers.

The clear, step-by-step format makes it a useful training and competency tool, ensuring that anyone tasked with performing the eye wash test does so correctly and consistently. The logging section also provides a clear record for managers and for compliance purposes, which is a key focus during any formal WHS compliance auditing. Ultimately, anyone involved in the upkeep of your site's emergency facilities can benefit from this procedure.

If your workplace uses other specialised equipment, consider implementing SOPs for those as well, like our deep fryer SOP for commercial kitchens. For a wider selection of safety documents, explore our complete free WHS resources library.