Proposed Change 2243

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2243
Page: Last modified: 2026-09-22
Code Reference(s):
NPC25 Div.B 2.2.2. (first printing)
Subject:
Plumbing
Title:
Installation of Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Fixtures
Description:
This proposed change adds a new provision and reference to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014, “American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment,” to the NPC.
Related Code Change Request(s):
CCR 1379
This change could potentially affect the following topic areas:

Problem

The National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) currently contains limited requirements for the installation and performance of emergency fixtures, such as eye wash and shower fixtures. Where these fixtures are required for health and safety purposes, there is no consistent reference in the NPC to a national standard that governs their design, installation, testing and maintenance. This omission could lead to inconsistent installation of these fixtures and uncertainty for designers, installers, regulators and building owners.

Justification

Emergency eye wash and shower fixtures are critical safety devices intended to provide immediate decontamination when a person is exposed to hazardous materials or chemicals. Referencing ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014, “American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment,” would provide a recognized and widely used technical standard that defines requirements for the installation, performance, maintenance and testing of these fixtures. The reference in the NPC would promote consistent design practices, improve occupant safety, and align the requirements for Canadian building practice with established international safety standards.

PROPOSED CHANGE

NPC25 Div.B 2.2.2. (first printing)

[2.2.2.] 2.2.2. Plumbing Fixtures

[2.2.2.1.] 2.2.2.1.Surface Requirements

[2.2.2.2.] 2.2.2.2.Conformance to Standards

[2.2.2.3.] 2.2.2.3.Showers

[2.2.2.4.] 2.2.2.4.Concealed Overflows

[2.2.2.5.] 2.2.2.5.Water Closets in Public Washrooms

[2.2.2.6.] 2.2.2.6.Wall Carriers for Water Closets

[2.2.2.7.] ---Emergency Fixtures

[1] --)Emergency fixtures shall conform to ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014, “American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment.”
[2] --)The installation of emergency fixtures shall conform to Appendix B of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014, “American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment.”

Impact analysis

This proposed change is expected to have minimal cost impact because emergency eye wash and shower fixtures are already commonly installed in facilities where hazardous materials are present. This proposed change would primarily describe the applicable performance and installation requirements by referencing an established standard. Designers, installers and regulators would benefit from clearer guidance, and improved consistency would enhance safety outcomes.

Enforcement implications

This proposed change would simplify enforcement by providing building officials with a clear referenced standard for evaluating emergency eye wash and shower installations. Compliance could be verified by confirming that the installations meet the requirements of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1. This proposed change would reduce interpretation challenges and promote consistent enforcement across jurisdictions.

Who is affected

Designers and specification writers would need to reference ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 when specifying emergency eye wash and shower fixtures.

Contractors and installers would need to ensure these fixtures are installed in accordance with the referenced standard.

Manufacturers and suppliers would need to ensure their products meet the requirements of ANSI/ISEA Z358.1.

Building officials and regulators would apply the referenced standard when reviewing designs and inspecting installations.

OBJECTIVE-BASED ANALYSIS OF NEW OR CHANGED PROVISIONS

NPC25 Div.B 2.2.2. (first printing)

[2.2.2.1.] 2.2.2.1. ([1] 1) [F41-OH2.4]
[2.2.2.2.] 2.2.2.2. ([1] 1) [F80-OH2.1,OH2.4]
[2.2.2.2.] 2.2.2.2. ([1] 1) [F80-OS3.1,OS3.2]
[2.2.2.3.] 2.2.2.3. ([1] 1) [F80-OH2.1]
[2.2.2.3.] 2.2.2.3. ([1] 1) [F80-OP5]
[2.2.2.3.] 2.2.2.3. ([2] 2) [F80-OH2.1]
[2.2.2.3.] 2.2.2.3. ([2] 2) [F40-OP5]
[2.2.2.3.] 2.2.2.3. ([3] 3) [F45-OH2.1]
[2.2.2.3.] 2.2.2.3. ([4] 4) [F45-OH2.1]
[2.2.2.3.] 2.2.2.3. ([4] 4) no attributions
[2.2.2.4.] 2.2.2.4. ([1] 1) [F41,F81-OH2.1,OH2.4]
[2.2.2.5.] 2.2.2.5. ([1] 1) [F30-OH2.1,OH2.4]
[2.2.2.6.] 2.2.2.6. ([1] 1) [F30-OH2.1,OH2.4]
[2.2.2.6.] 2.2.2.6. ([1] 1) [F80-OS3.1]
[2.2.2.7.] -- ([1] --) [F40,F71-OH2.3,OH2.4]
[2.2.2.7.] -- ([2] --) [F40,F71-OH2.3,OH2.4]
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