PERSONAL CONTAMINATION

 

In the event of personal contamination incidents try to remain calm. Do what is necessary to protect life. The MSDS for the chemical will contain special first aid information. Do not move an injured person unless they are in further danger. A blanket should be used as soon as possible after initial treatment to protect the victim from shock and exposure. In the event of an emergency, get medical attention promptly by calling 911. Less serious cases should be taken to the nearest hospital for attention. The following procedures are provided for use in personal contamination cases.

 

Chemical Body Splash

 

  1. Remove victim(s) from spill area to fresh air only if attempts to rescue victim(s) does not present a danger to the rescuers.
  2. Remove contaminated clothing, preferably while under an emergency shower.
  3. Flood affected area with cold water for at least 15 minutes or longer if pain persists.
  4. Wash skin with mild soap and water - do not use neutralizing chemicals, unguents, creams, lotions or slaves.
  5. Contact emergency response personnel and assure they know what chemical(s) are involved.
 

Chemical Eye Splash

 

  1. Remove victim(s) from spill area to fresh air only if attempts to rescue victim(s) does not present a danger to the rescuers.
  2. Lead the victim(s) immediately to an emergency eye wash station.
  3. Hold eye lids open.
  4. Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes or longer if pain persists.
  5. Contact emergency response personnel and assure they know what chemical(s) are involved
    6.

Caution: Flush skin and/or eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. (You may not feel any immediate effect from chemical spills, but it is very important to wash quickly and as thoroughly as possible as many chemicals can cause severe tissue damage that is not apparent until hours later.)

 

Chemicals on the Skin in Confined Areas

  1. Immediately flush affected area with cold water.
  2. If there is no visible burn, then scrub area with warm water and soap.
  3. If a delayed action is noted (often the next day), report immediately for medical attention and explain carefully what chemicals were involved

Caution: If the incident involves hydrofluoric acid seek immediate medical attention.

 

Burning Clothing

  1. Extinguish burning clothing by dousing with cold water or use the emergency shower or the drop and roll technique.
  2. Remove contaminated clothing.
  3. Wrap injured person to prevent shock.
  4. Obtain medical attention promptly.
  5. If possible, send contaminated clothing with the victim.

 

Smoke and Fumes

  1. Anyone overcome with smoke and/or fumes should be removed to uncontaminated air and treated for shock.
  2. If certified, follow standard CPR protocols.
  3. Obtain medical attention promptly.

 

Ingestion of Hazardous Chemicals

  1. Identify chemical ingested and call 911.
  2. Wrap injured person to prevent shock.
  3. Provide ambulance crew and physician with the chemical name and any other relevant information.