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Chemical Spill on Skin: First Aid & Safety Procedures

Immediate First Aid for Chemical Skin Exposure

  1. REMOVE victim from source; ensure rescuer safety (PPE).
  2. REMOVE contaminated clothing/jewelry immediately—cut off if necessary. Do not pull over head if facial exposure risk.
  3. FLUSH with copious water for minimum 15 minutes (20–30 min for strong acids/alkalis). Use safety shower, eyewash, or hose. Lukewarm water preferred. High volume, low pressure.
  4. DO NOT apply neutralizing agents (vinegar for alkali, baking soda for acid)—heat from reaction worsens injury; exceptions only per specific SDS.
  5. DO NOT use ointments, creams, oils, or home remedies during initial flushing.
  6. CALL EMS / Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) while flushing if: large area, strong acid/alkali, hydrofluoric acid, phenol, cyanide, or any systemic symptoms.
  7. CONTINUE flushing during transport if possible.

Specific High-Risk Chemicals

ChemicalSpecial Action
Hydrofluoric acid (HF)Flush 5 min → apply calcium gluconate 2.5% gel (or inject Ca gluconate) → urgent care. Binds Ca/Mg → fatal arrhythmia.
PhenolFlush with PEG-300/400 or high-molecular-weight PEG if available; otherwise water. Rapid systemic absorption → CNS/cardiac toxicity.
Elemental metals (Na, K, Li)Brush off dry; DO NOT USE WATER (explosion). Cover with mineral oil.
White phosphorusFlush with water; keep wet; remove particles with forceps (Wood’s lamp). Copper sulfate wash (historical).
Dry lime / cementBrush off dry powder first; then flush. Water activates exothermic reaction.

Post-Exposure

  • Cover with clean, dry dressing after thorough irrigation.
  • Tetanus prophylaxis if indicated.
  • Document: chemical, concentration, duration, body surface area, first aid given.
  • Follow-up for delayed effects (corneal, systemic, scarring).

Prevention

  • Read SDS (Safety Data Sheet) before handling.
  • Engineering controls (fume hoods, closed systems).
  • PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, face shields, goggles.
  • Emergency showers/eyewashes within 10 sec (ANSI Z358.1).

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