Emergency Procedures

Emergency Procedures

Phone Numbers

First Aid

Chemicals in eye

Chemical Burns to Skin

Ingestion of Chemicals

Inhalation of Chemicals

Thermal Burns

Clothing Fires

Chemical Spills

Mercury Spills

Chem 106 Lab Homepage

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

Campus Emergency Number: 111

Campus Police: 5117

Student Health Clinic: 4157

Brookings Ambulance: 696-9000

Emergency Procedures:

	Critical emergencies are rare. The most important thing to do is to first call for help and then minimize or reduce the hazard. In other words, turn off the gas, open windows, turn off power, if necessary.
	Report all accidents to the laboratory instructor. First aid, if necessary, should be administered by the instructors. All injuries, except for very minor cuts, should receive medical attention. Student Health Service is available to see students with injuries. Always err on the side of caution.
	If an injury involves exposure to a chemical (for example a chemical splash to the eye or skin or the inhalation of noxious fumes), be sure to note the name of the chemical so that the appropriate procedures can be taken by the medical personnel.
	If it necessary to take an injured person for medical care, someone must accompany them. Call an ambulance if the patient cannot be moved.

First Aid:

Chemicals in eye:

If you get a chemical in your eye -- wash it out immediately! USE THE EYE WASH FOUNTAIN.

Run a small amount of water through the eye wash fountain before you wash your eye . Retract your eyelid (do not squint -- it restricts water access). HOLD YOUR EYELID OPEN SO THE WATER REACHES YOUR EYE. Wash your eyes under the eye wash for 15 minutes. Immediately after washing your eyes, go to Student Health Service for an evaluation by a health care provider. Know the chemical (and it's concentration), so that the provider will be better able to assist you.

If an eye wash fountain is not immediately available, lie on the floor and have someone pour copious amounts of lukewarm water over your eyes. Use a clean beaker or flask. A liter or two of water should be used. YOUR EYELIDS MUST BE HELD OPEN SO THE WATER REACHES THE EYE. Go to Health Service for treatment immediately after your eyes have been rinsed.

If you see someone get a chemical spill to the eye, help them to the eye wash fountain. They will instinctively try to keep their eyes closed.

Chemical Burns to the Skin:

Wash off any chemicals which come in contact with the skin, even if they do not appear to be corrosive. Use soap and water.

If a corrosive chemical comes in contact with the skin, flood the skin surface with water. If a large chemical exposure to the skin has occurred, stand under the safety shower. If necessary, remove any articles of clothing that are soaked with the corrosive chemical. Remove any jewelry that has been contaminated as well. The exposed skin should be washed for 15-20 minutes. Do not apply any creams, salves, or ointments. Do not try to neutralize the chemical except as follows:

After rinsing, alkali burns may be neutralized by applying a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water to the injured area. Don't apply sodium bicarbonate to the eyes.

After rinsing, acid burns may be neutralized by a solution of 1% acetic acid or 1% boric acid.

After properly rinsing the chemical from the skin, go to Student Health Service for an evaluation by a health care provider. Note the name of the chemical to which you were exposed.

Ingestion of Chemicals

Take the victim to Student Health (WH 214) or call the ambulance (696-9000) immediately. Provide the health care provider with the name of the chemical ingested and the MSDS, if available. Do not induce vomiting, unless instructed to do so by the health care provider.

Call Poison Control (1-800-952-0123) for further information.

Most accidental ingestion of chemical injuries can be avoided with safe work practices.

Keep work area clean.

Wash hands frequently.

Do not eat or drink in the laboratory.

Do not pipet by mouth.

Inhalation of Chemicals

Close the chemical container. Open the laboratory window, or otherwise increase the ventilation in the lab. Move the victim to fresh air.

If headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, or other symptoms develop, take the victim to Student Health Service (WH 214). Provide the health care provider with the name of the chemical and the MSDS, if available.

Thermal Burns

Remove the heat source. Cool the burn with cold water. Do not apply oils, sprays, or ointments to the burn. Cover the burn with a sterile pad or a clean cloth. If the burn is severe, go to the Student Health Service (SH 214) for treatment.

Clothing Fires

STOP, DROP AND ROLL on the ground to extinguish the flame. If you are within a few feet of the safety shower or the fire blanket, you may use these. Do not run just to get to the shower or blanket if you are not near them. Know the location of the fire extinguisher.

Chemical Spills

Chemical spills involving small amounts of chemicals used in the laboratory procedure may be cleaned by using a suitable absorbent (such as Vermiculite or a "spill kit") and paper toweling. Dispose of used spill kit material or absorbent in appropriate waste container. Avoid contact of the spilled chemical with the skin or eyes.

Spill kits to neutralize chemical spills are also found in the lab. There are specific spill kits for both acid and alkaline spills.

Spills involving large quantities of material or those involving hazardous chemicals should be reported immediately to the laboratory instructor.

Mercury Spills

If you drop a thermometer containing mercury, notify your lab instructor immediately. Do not attempt to pick it up yourself.