Chemical Burn First Aid: Emergency Decontamination

Overview

Chemical burn first aid involves immediate treatment procedures for skin or eye contact with corrosive substances, focusing on rapid decontamination and proper medical response to minimize tissue damage and prevent complications.

Why This Is Important

Chemical burns can cause severe, permanent damage within seconds of contact. Unlike thermal burns, chemical burns continue causing damage until the substance is completely removed, making immediate action critical.

Delayed or improper treatment of chemical burns can result in permanent scarring, blindness, or systemic poisoning depending on the chemical involved.

Emergency Response Steps

Treatment Procedures

Water Flushing Protocol

• Water is primary treatment - use copious amounts of clean water
• Don’t use neutralizing agents unless specifically trained and instructed
• Flush for minimum 15-20 minutes or until emergency services arrive
• Continue flushing during transport if possible

Eye Exposure Protocol

• Flush eyes for 15 minutes minimum holding eyelids open
• Remove contact lenses if easily removable during flushing
• Flush from inside corner outward to prevent cross-contamination
• Don’t use eye drops or ointments unless specifically directed

Skin Exposure Treatment

• Remove contaminated clothing while flushing affected area
• Brush off dry chemicals before flushing (for some materials)
• Don’t scrub or rub the affected area
• Cover with clean, dry cloth after thorough flushing

Emergency Equipment Usage

• Know locations of emergency showers and eyewash stations
• Ensure equipment is tested regularly and functional
• Activate equipment immediately - don’t delay to remove clothing first
• Use tepid water when possible to prevent thermal shock

Chemical-Specific Considerations

Acids

• Flush immediately with large amounts of water
• Don’t use baking soda or other neutralizers on skin
• Continue flushing for minimum 20 minutes
• Watch for systemic effects with strong acids

Bases (Alkalis)

• Flush longer than acids - minimum 30 minutes for strong bases
• Remove all contaminated clothing as bases can continue burning
• Don’t use vinegar or other acidic neutralizers
• Seek immediate medical attention as alkali burns are often deeper

Organic Solvents

• Flush with water despite poor water solubility
• Remove from skin quickly to prevent absorption
• Provide fresh air if vapors are present
• Monitor for systemic effects from absorption

Special Chemicals

• Know your chemicals - review Safety Data Sheets for specific procedures
• Some chemicals require specialized treatment protocols
• Hydrofluoric acid requires calcium gluconate gel treatment
• Phenol may require polyethylene glycol flushing

Medical Response

Information for Medical Personnel

• Identify the chemical using labels, Safety Data Sheets, or containers
• Estimate exposure time and concentration if known
• Describe first aid provided including flushing duration
• Note any symptoms or changes in victim’s condition

Documentation Requirements

• Complete incident reports according to company procedures
• Preserve chemical containers or labels for medical reference
• Document treatment provided and timeline of events
• Follow up on medical treatment and return-to-work requirements

Remember: Chemical burn first aid success depends on immediate water flushing and rapid medical attention. Understanding specific chemical hazards in your workplace and knowing emergency equipment locations can prevent minor exposures from becoming major injuries.