First Aid Procedures For Chemical Hazards
By: Maureen Paraventi
Exposure to chemical hazards and toxic substances can cause health effects ranging from mild to severe, from irritation and skin rashes to disease and loss of function. Prevention of such incidents is paramount, but when exposure has occurred, it is vital that first aid be rendered quickly – and that it be effective for the specific chemical involved. Being prepared to take quick action when first aid is needed requires taking inventory of the hazardous chemicals in the workplace before an incident occurs. That list can be used to search the database in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards for information that will be helpful in the event of an exposure. The Pocket Guide is designed to provide chemical-specific data to supplement general industrial hygiene knowledge. It has data on 677 chemicals or substance groupings (e.g., manganese compounds, tellurium compounds, inorganic tin compounds, etc.) that are found in the work environment.
For instance, searching for aminopyridine returns details about:
- Exposure limits [NIOSH REL- TWA 0.5 ppm (2 mg/m3), OSHA PEL- TWA 0.5 ppm (2 mg/m3)]
- A physical description of the substance (white powder, leaflets or crystals with a characteristic odor)
- Incompatibilities and reactivities (Strong oxidizers)
- Exposure routes (inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact)
- Symptoms (irritation eyes, nose, throat; headache, dizziness; excitement; nausea; high blood pressure; resp distress; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); convulsions; stupor)
- Target organs (central nervous system, respiratory system)
- First aid
- Eye: Irrigate immediately
- Skin: Water flush immediately
- Breathing: Respiratory support
- Swallow: Medical attention immediately
General recommendations
While first aid procedures should be appropriate to the chemical, the following indicate the range of actions that can be taken when specific parts of the body are involved.
Eye: Immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. If frostbite has occurred and the 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.
Skin: If irritation occurs, gently blot or brush away excess. If a 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. If 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 a 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.
Breath: If a person breathes large amounts of a harmful 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. 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: If a toxic chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
Resources
Prevention – NIOSH recommends appropriate preventive measures to reduce or eliminate the adverse health and safety effects of chemical hazards. To formulate these recommendations, NIOSH evaluates all known and available medical, biological, engineering, chemical, trade and other information relevant to the hazard. More information can be found at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/firstaid.html
Hazard recognition – Many workers are unaware of chemicals that create potential hazards in their work environment, making them more vulnerable to exposure and injury. OSHA offers an abundance of information about recognizing hazards associated with chemical hazards and toxic substances. A list can be found at: www.osha.gov/chemical-hazards/hazards
Standards – Chemical hazards and toxic substances are addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry, maritime and construction:
- General Industry (29 CFR 1910): 1910 Subpart Z– Toxic and Hazardous Substances
- Maritime (29 CFR 1915, 1917, 1918): 1915 Subpart Z– Toxic and Hazardous Substances; 1917 Subpart B – Marine Terminal Operations; 1918 Subpart I
- Construction (29 CFR 1926): 1926 Subpart D; 1926 Subpart Z– Toxic and Hazardous Substances WMHS