Physical Education

Unit - 10

10.2.1.First Aid Procedures for Chemical Exposure
The following procedures should be followed in the event of chemical exposure. In all cases, the incident should be reported to your laboratory manager, supervisor or principal investigator, regardless of severity. Consult your department manager to determine whether or not a First Report of Accidental Injury or Occupational Illness form should be completed.

Chemicals on Skin or Clothing

• Immediately flush with water for no less than 15 minutes (except for Hydrofluoric Acid, Flammable Solids or >10% Phenol). For larger spills, the safety shower should be used.
• While rinsing, quickly remove all contaminated clothing or jewelry. Seconds count. Do not waste time because of modesty.
• Use caution when removing pullover shirts or sweaters to prevent contamination of the eyes.
• Discard contaminated clothing or launder them separately from other clothing. Leather garments or accessories cannot be decontaminated and should be discarded.
• Do not use solvents to wash skin. They remove the natural protective oils from the skin and can cause irritation and inflammation. In some cases, washing with a solvent may facilitate absorption of a toxic chemical.
• For flammable solids on skin, first brush off as much of the solid as possible, then proceed as described above.
• For hydrofluoric acid, rinse with water for 5 minutes and apply calcium gluconate gel, then get immediate medical attention. If no gel is available, rinse for 15 minutes and go immediately to medical help.
• For phenol concentrations more than 10%, flush with water for 15 minutes or until the affected area turns from white to pink. Apply polyethylene glycol, if available. Do not use ethanol. Proceed as described above.