PIONEER SECONDARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL SAFETY
SOP FOR DEALING WITH ACCIDENTS / EMERGENCIES IN THE SCIENCE
LABORATORIES
1. First aid after exposure to microorganisms a. First aid after exposure to microorganisms consists of three steps: i. Removal or dilution of infectious material and application of first aid; ii. Assessment of the infection risk; and iii. Referral to a doctor or hospital, if necessary. b. Hands must always be washed before and after giving first aid to avoid the risk of infection and transmission of disease. If possible, protective gloves should be worn before rendering first aid.
2. Chemical spills
2.1.1 Dealing with chemical spills a. The range and quantity of hazardous substances used in laboratories require pre- planning to respond safely to chemical spills. The clean-up of a chemical spill should only be done by knowledgeable and experienced teachers or laboratory staff. b. Spill kits with instructions, absorbents, reactants, and protective equipment should be available to clean up minor spills. c. Solid sodium hydrogencarbonate may be used to contain acid spills. d. A minor chemical spill is one that the laboratory staff are capable of handling safely without the assistance of safety and emergency personnel. All other chemical spills are considered major.
2.1.2 Minor chemical spills a. Alert all laboratory users on the immediate area of the spill. b. Protective equipment (laboratory coat, disposable gloves, safety goggles and footwear) must be worn for the clean-up operation. c. Avoid breathing vapour from the spill. d. Contain or cover the spill with absorbent. e. Ventilate the affected area, for example, by opening windows. f. If the spilled chemical is an inorganic acid or base, use an appropriate kit to neutralise and absorb the chemical spill. For other chemicals besides inorganic acids and bases, absorb the spill with vermiculite, dry sand or diatomaceous earth. g. Collect the residue and dispose it as chemical waste.
In the case of small spills of flammable substances : h. Alert all those who might be affected and evacuate students from the immediate vicinity until the area is cleaned up. i. Extinguish all flames immediately and turn off any motors, and electrical equipment. j. Turn on ventilation equipment or where none exists, open all windows.

k. Absorb liquids with paper towels, cloths, or other absorbent material and dispose these using closed containers. l. Flush with large amounts of water to a drain, if the substance is not reactive to water and is not toxic . m. Clean contaminated area with soap and water and mop dry.
(Commercial laboratory spill kits are available for flammable solvents.)
3. Major chemical spills
3.1 Chemical spill a. Attend to any casualties and remove them from further exposure. b. Alert other laboratory users to evacuate. c. Turn off ignition and heat sources if spilled material is flammable. d. Close doors to affected area. e. Call the Singapore Civil Defence Force by dialling 995 .
3.2 Dealing with accidents involving chemicals
Chemical spills on the body - contact with skin a. Flood the exposed area with running water from the tap or safety shower for at least 5 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and make sure that the chemical does not seep into the footwear. b. Seek medical attention.
Chemical spills on the body - contact with eyes c. Flush the eyes with running water, for example, using the eyewashers in the laboratory for a minimum of 15 minutes. Eyelids have to be forcibly opened to ensure that the water/eye solution goes behind the eyelids. Washing should be done from the direction of the nose out to the ear so as to avoid washing chemicals back into the eye or into an unaffected eye. d. Remove contact lenses as soon as possible in order to rinse off any harmful chemical from the eyes. Cover both of the victim's eyes with clean or sterile gauze. e. Call for an ambulance by dialling 995 .
Solid or liquid poisoning by ingestion f. Get the victim to spit the poison out if it is still in the mouth and wash the mouth with plenty of water. Induce vomiting by stimulating the back of the throat with the tip of a finger. g. Seek medical attention immediately .
Chemical burns h. If a victim is burned by contact with chemicals, remove the victim's clothes and shoes if necessary. i. Use water only for treating chemical burns. Wash the injured area with running water for at least 10 minutes. This can prevent further damage to the burnt tissue. j. Minor burns are best treated by soaking the affected area in cold water. Do not apply burn ointments/spray to affected areas. Cover with sterile or dry and clean material. k. For large affected areas, seek medical attention immediately . l. Protective gloves and safety goggles should be worn when attempting to assist a casualty covered with chemicals (so that the person assisting does not in turn become a victim).

Other emergencies
4.1. Fainting
A certain degree of faintness or dizziness may result from any accident and the following treatment should be administered: a. Let the casualty lie down with feet slightly raised. b. Clothing should be loosened at the neck, chest and waist. c. The casualty should be kept adequately warm. d. Verbal reassurance should be given. e. On recovery, sips of water may be given. (No attempt should be made to give liquids to an unconscious casualty.) f. If the injury has resulted in unconsciousness, the casualty should be placed in the
Recovery Position 8. g. If breathing becomes difficult, the casualty should be turned on his side to facilitate drainage of any liquid from the mouth. h. If breathing stops, apply artificial resuscitation and seek medical attention immediately .
4.2. Electrical injury a. Switch off the supply affecting the casualty, and remove him from contact with the apparatus. b. Artificial resuscitation and cardiac massage must be started immediately if the shock has produced asphyxia and cardiac arrest. It should be noted that recovery from electric shock is 90% certain if artificial resuscitation is started not later than one minute after the electric shock has been suffered.
Recovery is only 10% certain if there is a delay of as little as six minutes. c. Check the body contact area for burns, which may be severe.
Seek medical attention .
4.3. Heat burns and scalds a. The injured area should be cooled with lots of cold water to reduce pain. b. Do not remove any burnt clothing unless it comes off easily. c. Do not apply any chemicals like ointments or sprays. Use dry, sterile gauze or lint dressing and then apply a bandage to cover the area. d. Seek medical treatment immediately . If necessary, call for an ambulance by dialling 995.
4.4. Cuts and bleeding a. Remove dirt or glass, wash under running water and apply clean, dry, sterile dressing for minor cases.
8 The main aim of the recovery position is to protect the airway of an unconscious person, so that the person can breathe. b. For serious cases, let the casualty lie down. Apply pressure to the wound with a thick pad of gauze and a firm bandage. Do not apply tourniquet. Call for an ambulance at once by dialling 995.

4.5. Gas poisoning a. Carry the casualty into the open and provide him with fresh air. b. Seek medical treatment. If necessary, call for an ambulance by dialling 995.
5. Reporting and recording of incidents
5.1 Importance of reporting a. Reporting of incidents is essential for the identification of hazards in the laboratory. Remedial action can then be taken to address the identified hazards and prevent any recurrence of the incident. b. Incidents with potential for injury or damage should also be reported. The incident report also acts as a record for future reference should there be any subsequent complication, for example, delayed health effect.
5.2 Incident investigation a. Reported incidents should be promptly investigated by the school. The investigation should identify the cause of the incident and any hazards involved. b. The school should then take action to control the hazards that have been identified.