Australian Standard ® AS4775 specifies the minimum performance and use requirements
The Australian Standard ® AS4775 specifies the minimum performance and use requirements for eyewash and safety shower equipment for the emergency treatment of the eyes or body of a person who has been exposed to materials which may cause injuries.
The Standard was prepared in response to requests from manufacturers and suppliers of these products, as well as industry in general.
This Standard is largely based on, but not identical to ANSI Z358.1—2014, Emergency eyewash and shower equipment. Apart from terminology and layout differences, changes were made to address the specific needs of Australian applications, and integrate with other Australian Standards. The main differences are as follows:
(a) Inclusion of guidance on dimensional constraints for disabled access.
(b) Inclusion of guidance on local materials for plumbing components.
(c) Inclusion of guidance on good design and manufacture.
For additional information on emergency shower systems and, the ComfortcoolTM outdoor emergency shower system in particular, please phone Safetyman in Australia on 1300 781 288 or alternatively please contact: Safetyman Australia
AS4775 – 2007 covers the following types of equipment:
(a) Emergency shower equipment.
(b) Eyewash equipment.
(c) Eye/face wash equipment.
(d) Combination shower and eyewash or eye/face wash equipment.
(e) Facilities for disabled persons.
AS4775 also includes performance and use requirements for the following supplemental equipment:
(i) Drench hoses.
(ii) Self-contained (portable) equipment.
Large-scale multispray shower equipment, of the type used in major emergency response or
military applications, are outside the scope of this Standard.
Where eyewash units are included in combination with such equipment, these eyewash units
are within the scope of this Standard.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of what the AS4775 Australian Standard covers:
AS4775-2007: Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment
Core Topics Covered by AS4775:
1. Equipment Types & Specifications
- Emergency shower equipment (minimum 75.7 L/min flow rate)
- Eyewash equipment (minimum 1.5 L/min flow rate)
- Eye/face wash equipment (minimum 11.4 L/min flow rate)
- Combination shower and eyewash units
- Supplemental equipment: Drench hoses, self-contained portable units
- Facilities for disabled persons (unique to AS4775)
2. Performance Requirements
- Flow Rates:
- Emergency showers: 75.7 L/min (20 GPM) for 15 minutes minimum
- Eyewash: 1.5 L/min (0.4 GPM) for 15 minutes minimum
- Eye/face wash: 11.4 L/min (3.0 GPM) for 15 minutes minimum
- Water pressure: 210 kPa (30 psi) dynamic pressure
- Duration: All equipment must operate for minimum 15 minutes
3. Installation & Location Requirements
- 10-second rule: Equipment must be accessible within 10 seconds (approximately 16 meters/55 feet)
- Same level requirement: Must be on same level as hazard
- Unobstructed path: Clear travel path to equipment
- Height specifications: Similar to ANSI (33-45 inches for eyewash nozzles)
- Signage requirements: Highly visible identification signs
4. Water Quality & Temperature
- Tepid water requirement: 16°C to 38°C (60.8°F to 100.4°F)
- Potable water: Only clean, potable water acceptable
- Water quality considerations: Compatibility with local water conditions
5. Testing & Maintenance (Section 6.8)
- Weekly testing: Equipment must be activated weekly to clear supply lines
- Annual inspection: Comprehensive annual testing and compliance assessment
- Flow rate verification: Annual flow testing required
- Documentation: Maintenance records must be kept
- Training requirements: User training and procedures
6. Unique Australian Considerations
AS4775 differs from ANSI Z358.1 in several key areas:
a) Disabled Access Provisions
- Specific guidance on dimensional constraints for disabled access
- Requirements for wheelchair-accessible emergency equipment
- Height adjustments for disabled users
b) Local Materials Guidance
- Guidance on local Australian materials for plumbing components
- Chemical compatibility with Australian water conditions
- Integration with other Australian Standards
c) Design & Manufacturing Standards
- Good design and manufacture guidance specific to Australian conditions
- Integration with Australian building codes and regulations
7. Training & Procedures
- User training requirements: All employees must be trained in location and proper use
- Operating procedures: Detailed procedures for emergency use
- Maintenance training: Training for maintenance personnel
8. Chemical Compatibility
- Material selection: Equipment must be compatible with chemical environment
- Corrosion resistance: Appropriate materials for specific chemical exposures
- Environmental considerations: Australian climate and conditions
AS4775 Objectives:
The objective of this Standard is to provide uniform minimum requirements for equipment
performance, installation, use, maintenance and training of users, along with relevant test procedures.
There are more than 3,000 dangerous goods scheduled in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
Whether they be acids, alkalis, solvents, waxes, peroxides, poisons or hot materials, they represent a risk, not only in fire situations, but in everyday handling, packing, transporting and using. Emergency showers are an essential adjunct to any handling or storing situation and they are called up in a number of Australian Standards. Safety showers and eyewash units are needed for decontamination, corrosive splash and burn victims. There are many examples.
When it comes to keeping your workforce safe, AS4775 is regarded as a key resource for safety regulations. Of even greater concern is the health and safety of employees that may unnecessarily be in harm’s way if proper precautions are not in place. To ensure you are meeting the necessary requirements, review the entire AS4775 Australian Standard in detail.
