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- 2 Jul 2025
What Service Visits Reveal: 5 Common Issues We See on Site (and How to Fix Them)
At Hughes, our field engineers and technical experts visit industrial sites around the world — from petrochemical facilities to pharmaceutical plants. One thing is consistent: even well-run sites often overlook the same critical details when it comes to emergency safety showers and eye/face wash stations.
These aren’t just technicalities — they’re compliance risks, safety hazards, and potential liabilities.
Here are five of the most common issues we uncover during site service assessments — and practical steps you can take to resolve them.
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| Why it matters: | In an emergency, every second counts. A delayed response can result in serious injury, long-term damage, or worse. |
| Quick fix: | EN standards state the distance from the chemical hazard to the shower must be less than 20 metres without stairs or ramps or obstacles or take less than 10 seconds to reach. Map out high-risk zones and walk the route to your safety equipment as placement may need to be re-evaluated. |
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2. Units Left Exposed to Harsh Conditions We frequently see outdoor safety showers exposed to freezing temperatures, intense sunlight, or corrosive environments — with no protective measures in place. |
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| Why it matters: | Extreme heat or cold can cause water to fall outside of the tepid range rendering it non-compliant and risking further injury to the casualty. |
| Quick fix: | Consider trace-heated insulated, or self-draining units depending on your environment. Hughes offers a wide range of models designed for extreme conditions. |
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3. Inadequate Testing and Maintenance Records Weekly activation tests and annual inspections are required to remain compliant — but documentation is often incomplete or inconsistent. |
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| Why it matters: | Without proper testing, you can’t be sure the unit is functional. And without records, you can’t prove compliance. |
| Quick fix: | Assign testing to a responsible team member and log it consistently. Visit the weekly activation page for details on how to properly conduct regular testing and take the opportunity to request a copy of our free Weekly Inspection Checklist Poster! |
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4. Blocked or Obstructed Access to Safety Equipment Even when safety showers and eye wash stations are correctly located, we often find them partially or completely blocked by pallets, tools, bins, or temporary structures. |
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| Why it matters: | In an emergency, quick, unobstructed access is critical. Any delay — even a few seconds — can mean the difference between minor injury and permanent damage. Obstructed equipment also violates ANSI Z358.1 and EN15154 standards, which require a clear path at all times. |
| Quick fix: | Implement a “keep clear” zone policy around all decontamination units, marked with floor tape, signage or anti-slip matting or ramps. Regularly include access checks in your weekly inspections to ensure nothing is blocking critical equipment — especially in dynamic environments like warehouses or construction sites. |
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5. No Consideration for Temporary or Mobile Work Zones Construction sites, shutdowns, and mobile operations often lack suitable emergency facilities entirely — or rely on static units too far from the work area. |
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| Why it matters: | Temporary work still carries real risks. Without proper emergency planning, you could be non-compliant — and unprepared. |
| Quick fix: | Explore mobile and self-contained showers and eye washes designed for temporary, remote, or non-plumbed environments. Hughes offers models with built-in heating, insulation, and robust portability. |
Want to discuss your unique site requirements? Our team of experts are here to help. Whether you’re updating old units, planning for cold weather, or simply unsure if your setup is compliant, we’ll work with you to get it right.
👉 Send an enquiry to the sales team
👉 Arrange a service of your existing safety equipment
👉 Explore our full product range
