First Aid Procedures for Chemical Hazards | NIOSH (2024)

CodeDefinition
Eye: Irrigate immediatelyIf this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.
Eye: Irrigate promptlyIf this chemical contacts the eyes, promptly wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention if any discomfort continues.
Eye: FrostbiteIf eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.
Eye: Medical attentionSelf-explanatory
Skin: Blot/brush awayIf irritation occurs, gently blot or brush away excess.
Skin: Dust off solid; water flushIf this solid chemical contacts the skin, dust it off immediately and then flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical or liquids containing this chemical penetrate the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin: FrostbiteIf frostbite has occurred, seek medical attention immediately; do NOT rub the affected areas or flush them with water. In order to prevent further tissue damage, do NOT attempt to remove frozen clothing from frostbitten areas. If frostbite has NOT occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water.
Skin: Molten flush immediately/solid-liquid soap wash immediatelyIf this molten chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the skin with large amounts of water. Get medical attention immediately. If this chemical (or liquids containing this chemical) contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical or liquids containing this chemical penetrate the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.
Skin: Soap flush immediatelyIf this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.
Skin: Soap flush promptlyIf this chemical contacts the skin, promptly flush the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.
Skin: Soap promptly/molten flush immediatelyIf this solid chemical or a liquid containing this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. If this molten chemical contacts the skin or nonimpervious clothing, immediately flush the affected area with large amounts of water to remove heat. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin: Soap washIf this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with soap and water.
Skin: Soap wash immediatelyIf this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.
Skin: Soap wash promptlyIf this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly.
Skin: Water flushIf this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water. Where there is evidence of skin irritation, get medical attention.
Skin: Water flush immediatelyIf this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly.
Skin: Water flush promptlyIf this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.
Skin: Water washIf this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with water.
Skin: Water wash immediatelyIf this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and wash the skin with water. If symptoms occur after washing, get medical attention immediately.
Skin: Water wash promptlyIf this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.
Breath: Respiratory supportIf a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Breath: Fresh airIf a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. Other measures are usually unnecessary.
Breath: Fresh air, 100% O2If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. When breathing is difficult, properly trained personnel may assist the affected person by administering 100% oxygen. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallow: Medical attention immediatelyIf this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
First Aid Procedures for Chemical Hazards | NIOSH (2024)

FAQs

First Aid Procedures for Chemical Hazards | NIOSH? ›

Get medical attention promptly. If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.

What are the first aid procedures for chemical hazards? ›

First Aid: Chemical Exposure
  • Stop the source. Remove the person from contact with the chemical spill, airborne particles, or fumes. ...
  • Clear the lungs. Take the person to fresh air. ...
  • Flush the eyes. Flush the affected eye with water for at least 15 minutes. ...
  • Clean the skin.

What is the first thing you should do if you are exposed to a hazardous chemical? ›

No matter how you've been exposed to a hazardous substance, the first thing you should do is stop the source by immediately removing yourself or the subject from contact with the spill, fumes or airborne particles.

What is the first step to protecting yourself from a chemical hazard? ›

Before working with any hazardous chemical, you should always read the SDS and the container label so that you are aware of the hazards associated with the chemical and any precautionary actions you should take to prevent or minimize exposure.

What is the correct safety procedure for working with hazardous chemicals? ›

Handle corrosive and contact-hazard chemicals with all proper safety precautions including wearing both safety goggles and face shield, gloves tested for absence of pin holes and known to be resistant to permeation or penetration, and a laboratory apron or lab coat.

What is the first aid procedure for chemical contact? ›

If the chemical is on your skin, wash it off straight away with a large amount of water. Keep putting water on for at least 20 minutes. Continue washing even after the chemical seems to have been removed. This helps to reduce damage to your tissues.

Where can you find first aid instructions for the chemical you are using? ›

Consult your chemical inventory and the First-aid measures section on the safety data sheets (SDSs) for those products.

Which statement is true about first aid measures and hazardous chemicals? ›

Final answer: The statement that is true about first-aid measures and hazardous chemicals is that one may be able to provide first aid using the directions on the safety data sheet (SDS). An SDS provides this potentially critical information when handling chemical products.

What are the 10 steps to chemical safety? ›

General Chemical Safety Guidelines
  • Maintain an organized and orderly facility.
  • Communicate hazards to everyone in the facility.
  • Follow basic safety procedures.
  • Use engineering controls.
  • Use PPE as needed or required.
  • Follow requirements for high hazard chemicals.
  • Prepare for accidents and emergencies.
Nov 14, 2023

What are safety procedures? ›

Safe work procedures are directions on how work is to be carried out safely and are required for all hazardous tasks performed at your workplace. They identify hazards and clarify what must be done to eliminate or minimise risks. For example, you may need to develop procedures for handling cash or disposing of hot oil.

What are the procedures for chemical handling? ›

Chemical Handling Guidelines

Properly seal, label, and store chemicals in appropriate containers. Check stored chemicals for deterioration and broken containers. Do not store chemicals near heat or sunlight or near substances which might initiate a dangerous reaction if combined.

What is the most effective chemical hazard control? ›

Elimination. Elimination removes the hazard at the source. This could include changing the work process to stop using a toxic chemical, heavy object, or sharp tool. It is the preferred solution to protect workers because no exposure can occur.

What are the 7 safety measures for controlling hazardous chemicals? ›

Here are 7 types of COSHH control measures, in order of priority, with details on how they reduce the risk from hazardous substances.
  • Elimination. The COSHH regulations first require exposure to be prevented. ...
  • Substitution. ...
  • Change Processes. ...
  • Engineering Controls. ...
  • Supervisory Controls. ...
  • PPE. ...
  • Combined Controls.
Aug 31, 2022

What is the OSHA standard regarding hazardous chemicals? ›

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, is designed to ensure that employees are informed of the hazards associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.

What is the OSHA standard for chemical safety? ›

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is designed to ensure that information about chemical and toxic substance hazards in the workplace and associated protective measures is disseminated to workers.

What is required by OSHA for all hazardous chemicals? ›

All labels are required to have pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification. A sample revised HCS label, identifying the required label elements, is shown on the right. Supplemental information can also be provided on the label as needed.

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