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Chemistry and Biochemistry

First Aid

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First aid for accident victims

  • Burns (Chemical or Fire) – Use deluge shower for 15 minutes
  • Burns (Clothing afire) – Use safety shower immediately. Keep victim immersed 15 minutes to wash away both heat and chemicals. All burns should be examined by medical personnel.
  • Chemical spills – If a large area is affected, remove clothing and immerse victim in the safety shower. If a small area is affected, remove the article of clothing and use deluge shower for 15 minutes.
  • Eyes (chemical contamination) – Hold the eye wide open and flush with water from the eyewash for about 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
  • Ingestion of chemicals or poisoning – See antidote chart on the wall of the lab for general first-aid directions. The victim should drink large amounts of water. All chemical poisonings should receive medical attention. Detailed suggestions for first-aid treatment may be found on the label of the chemical’s container. For more specific treatment, call 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-764-7661, North Texas Poison Center. See Safety.
  • Always report all accidents, however minor, to the lab instructor – Accidents involving injuries must be reported in writing to the Chemistry Program Head by the Lab Instructor. Both the instructor and the student will be required to fill out an accident report form. These are available in the program office or stockroom.

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