Implementing The Right Methods Of Coping With Emergencies Caused By Chemicals

By Author: Jo Alelsto
Total Articles: 405
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When the principles of medical emergency management are clearly understood, one does not need hospital equipment in order to function effectively. This is especially useful when immediate aid must be given due to the severity of damage inflicted to the patient. Chemicals and other dangerous substances are the most common reasons in seeking first-aids. Unintentional and accidental occurrences at home or in the workplace are the main reasons for such incidents.

By using imagination and ingenuity, many commonplace items can be used by the first-aider. Resourcefulness is an essential component of emergency and disaster management. Upon observation, experts say that people with direct contact with danger such as those working in laboratories of chemicals must learn how to apply first-aid since accidents happen all the time. It does not mean that accidents cannot be avoided or that the companies are not simply implementing safety regulations within the work area but there are unforeseen circumstances that are totally beyond anybody's control. Hence, it really pays to teach everybody, in general, what to do in case of ...
... emergency.

Among all accidents, poisoning or injuries due to chemical contact are one of the most common causes of emergency or disaster, whether at home or work. Paramedics are specially trained to act upon these situations immediately, but they have to be contacted first. And that single fraction of a second can already cost lives. So it is important to have somebody facilitate first-aid during emergency cases in chemical laboratories.

1. Accidental inhalation of substances

If a person has accidentally inhaled chemicals then it is best to bring him out in the fresh air right away. The goal is to provide good ventilation so that the lungs will not be constrained to continuously experience exposure to certain chemicals. Some substances such as hydrogen chloride gas and hydrogen sulfide, when inhaled, can cause immediate pain and difficulty in breathing. It can even damage the tissues in the lungs which can trigger sudden death.

2. Skin contamination

Certain chemicals like acids and solvents can readily cause skin irritations. In cases like these, it is important to drench skin with running water immediately. Apply running water on skin while removing clothes. Cleanse skin thoroughly with water. Remember, rapidity in washing is extremely important to reduce the extent of injury.

3. Eye contamination

If chemicals have become in contact with the eyes, it is best to hold the eyelids wide open and wash eyes with gentle flow of running water without delay. A few seconds of delay can greatly aggravate the situation. Continue washing until a physician or paramedics arrive. One great rule: never use chemicals to treat the damage area as these will increase extent of injury.

4. Chemical burns

In cases of chemical burns, wash with large quantities of running water except those caused by phosphorus. Immediately protect the area with loosely used clean cloth. Never apply ointments, powder, greases, and other drugs in first-aid management of burns. Treat shock by keeping patient flat. Keep him warm and reassure him until the arrival of physician or paramedics.

The goal of first-aid measures is to avoid as much injury as possible. Prolonging the problem and letting seconds pass without first-aid will only hasten the deterioration of the skin tissues resulting to more serious damage such as death. Panic should have no room in cases like these. It will only cause more trouble.

Companies should also follow the rules and regulations mandated by the law. The provisions stipulated in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) or COSHH should be observed and implemented company-wide and at all times.

Once these chemicals are distributed in the public, manufacturers as well as suppliers have the legal responsibility of providing data sheets to educate consumers on the nature of the chemicals and on how to handle them properly.
Jo is an author and publisher for 'ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd' (http://www.reagent.co.uk), an established UK based chemical firm that makes, stocks and supplies a vast selection of high quality chemical. If your corporation is searching for superior quality chemical product such as battery acid or has other industrial chemical needs for purposes like chemical syntheses, analytical uses and cleaning then check out ReAgent Chemical Services Ltd.