With this edition of Working Pressure magazine focused on health and safety, it is an ideal moment to highlight two ASSE standards that directly support the safe operation of emergency equipment: ASSE 1071, which covers temperature‑actuated mixing valves for plumbed emergency equipment, and ASSE 1085, which covers water heaters designed specifically for emergency wash fixtures. Both standards play a critical role in ensuring that eyewash stations, eye/face wash units, and emergency showers deliver water at safe, effective temperatures when they are needed most.
ASSE 1071 was first published in 2008 and applies to devices that include hot‑ and cold‑water inlets, a mixed‑water outlet, a temperature‑controlling element, and a mechanism for adjusting the outlet temperature while the device is in service. These valves also incorporate a means of limiting the maximum outlet temperature under normal operating conditions. They are intended for use with emergency equipment installed in accordance with ANSI/ISEA Z358.1, the widely recognized standard for emergency eyewash and shower equipment.
A key aspect of ASSE 1071 is its focus on temperature control. These devices must supply water within an adjustable range of 65° F to 95° F, and under normal operating conditions the outlet temperature may not exceed 100° F. This ensures that the water delivered is “tepid,” warm enough to encourage flushing but cool enough to prevent scalding. Because these valves are used with plumbed emergency equipment, maintaining flow is essential. Unlike automatic compensating devices, ASSE 1071 valves are designed so that water flow is not shut off during a supply failure — an important distinction given the emergency nature of the equipment.
During a hot‑water failure, the device reduces the flow rate but continues to supply cold water. Depending on the initial flow rate, the reduced flow may be 1.5 gpm at a 30-psi differential for devices originally flowing under 20 gpm, or 15 gpm at the same differential for devices flowing above 20 gpm. In the event of a cold‑water failure, the device must significantly reduce flow to between 0.5 gpm and 1.0 gpm. During this transient, the device must prevent the outlet temperature from exceeding 100° F. ASSE 1071 is therefore highly specialized, designed specifically to ensure safe temperature control for plumbed emergency showers and eyewash stations.
ASSE 1085 addresses another category of equipment: water heaters designed for emergency fixtures. These heaters provide temperature control similar to an ASSE 1071 mixing valve by heating the cold‑water supply to a tepid temperature suitable for emergency use. As electronic controls have become more common in water heaters, the ability to maintain precise and accurate temperatures has improved significantly. This technological advancement led to the development of ASSE 1085, which establishes performance requirements for water heaters used with emergency wash stations.
An ASSE 1085‑compliant water heater functions much like a point‑of‑use heater paired with an ASSE 1071 valve. ASSE 1085, however, is specifically intended for emergency equipment. It includes requirements for flow rate performance and mandates that the device must reach the appropriate temperature within 60 seconds. The maximum allowable output temperature is 95° F (35° C), ensuring that the water remains within the safe, tepid range.
Together, ASSE 1071 and ASSE 1085 help ensure that emergency eyewash and shower equipment perform reliably and safely. By controlling temperature, maintaining flow during supply failures, and meeting strict performance criteria, these standards support the essential goal of protecting individuals during emergency situations.
