Laboratory First Aid Essay

LABORATORY FIRSTAID

Accidents do not often happen in well-equipped chemistry laboratories if we all understand safe laboratory procedures and are careful in following them. When an occasional accident does occur, it is likely to be a minor one. The following information will be helpful to you if an accident occurs.

Important Terms involved in laboratory first aid-

1) Carcinogenic – causes cancer

2) Caustic – burning away living tissue

3) Corrosive – eats away‖ tissue gradually

4) Irritant – causes redness, inflammation

5) Poison – causes toxic effects

It is always mandatory to use accurate protocols of first aid when a particular health issue occurs in the lab, thereby bringing about your assurance as well as the others with you in the laboratory. Chemicals in the Eyes

• Getting

This should only be administered by appropriately trained and certified persons.

7) If a first aider is required to breathe for an unconscious casualty during the application of CPR, a facemask should always be used. This provides a barrier and aids in preventing the inhalation or absorption of hazardous chemicals (as well as the transfer of communicable diseases). 8) The symptoms of a chemical exposure should be treated as appropriate, giving consideration to the product label, the Safety Data Sheet and any formal first aid instructions. 9) Inhalation of certain chemicals can result in the onset of delayed pulmonary oedema. These chemicals should be identified during the risk assessment stage. Anyone with the potential for exposure via inhalation, and local area first aid attendants, should be made aware of the need to obtain medical attention immediately.

First Aid Procedure - Eye Contact

1) Commence DRABCD procedure. 2) Irrigate with copious quantities of cool running water, for at least 20 minutes. The eyelid of any affected eye should be lifted up and the area beneath the eyelid irrigated as