EMERGENCY/MEDICAL PROCEDURES
A. CHEMICAL BURNS
If you are attempting to assist someone covered in chemicals, wear safety glasses and gloves so
that you too do not become a victim.
1. Chemicals on the Skin in Confined Areas
Immediately flush the area with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Remove all jewelry to
facilitate removal of any residual material.
If a delayed reaction is noted (often the next day), report immediately for medical attention
and explain carefully what chemicals were involved.
 If there is any doubt, seek medical attention.
2. Chemicals Spilled over a Large Area of the Body.
Remove victim’s clothes.
Remove victim’s shoes so that chemicals do not collect in the shoes.
Rinse the area with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes under a safety shower.
Get medical attention immediately.
3. Chemicals in the Eyes.
Get the victim to an eyewash station immediately, and rinse the eyes for at least 15
minutes.
Eyelids have to forcibly opened to ensure effective washing behind the eyelid.
Remove contact lenses as soon as possible so that the eyes can be thoroughly rinsed.
Get medical attention immediately.
B. INGESTION OF CHEMICALS
Identify the chemical ingested and call 911 immidately.
Wrap the injured person in a blanket to prevent shock.
C. INHALATION OF CHEMICALS
Evacute the area and move the victim into fresh air.
Call 911
E. CHEMICAL SPILLS
1. Minor Spills
Minor spills are non-emergency situations. A minor spill would be classified as:
The spilled material is limited in quantity, exposure potential, and toxicity and present
minor safety or health hazards to persons in the immediate area.
The spill that can be appropriately cleaned up by a knowledgeable person who can make
an informed decision as to the safety and health hazards associated with the chemical.
The spill can be cleaned up with the materials contained in the spill control kit.
Locate the appropriate spill cleanup kit. Each laboratory should be equipped with spill cleanup
kits. If not, get the appropriate kit from the chemistry storage room (SIMS 107).
Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including the appropriate shoes, when
cleaning up the spill. If you do not have the proper protective equipment, find someone to help.
Spill Kits
All laboratories where hazards chemicals are used should contain a chemical spill kit.
Minimally, the kit should contain
Splash resistant goggles
Chemical resistant gloves
Plastic bags
Multi-chemical absorbent
Dustpan and brush
Each laboratory’s spill kit should be kept in a readily accessible location.
Acid Spills
Apply neutralizer (or sodium bicarbonate) to perimeter of spill.
Mix thoroughly until fizzing and evolution of gas ceases. Note: it may be necessary to
add water to the mixture to complete the reaction. Neutralizer has a tendency to absorb
acid before it is fully neutralized.
Transfer the material to a plastic bag, tie shut, label it, and dispose of the waste materials
Solvent Spills
 Cover the liquid spill with the spill kit absorbent.
Once the solvent has been absorbed, transfer the material to a plastic bag, tie it shut,
label it and dispose of the waste materials
Mercury Spills
Dampen the mercury sponge with water, then wipe the contaminated area.
Do this procedure slowly so that all of the free mercury is absorbed.
Place the contaminated sponge in its plastic bag, tie shut, label it, and place the bag in
the chemical waste area.
2. Major Spills
A major spill would be an emergency situation, and would be classified as:
A large quantity of the chemical has been spilled which a knowledge person could not
clean up.
A large quantity of a highly toxic or flammable chemical has been spilled.
Call 911
Evacuate the area.
F. FIRE AND FIRE RELATED EMERGENCIES