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Many common chemicals and household products can cause burns, loss of sight, or other damage if splashed into the eyes.
SOME SAFETY PRECAUTIONS THAT MAY HELP TO PREVENT CHEMICAL BURNS OF THE EYES INCLUDE: - Always wear eye protection when working around chemicals. Goggles or a face shield that includes side splash guards are best. Although simple eyeglasses are better than no protection at all, chemicals can easily splash into the eye from the side.
- Avoid situations where the chemical is under pressure, such as in a hose that could break loose.
- Always consider using less hazardous products where possible.
Chemicals in the eyes can cause severe pain. It is important to start first aid measures quickly to minimise the risk of permanent injury or loss of sight. EMERGENCY TREATMENT OF CHEMICAL BURNS IN THE EYES INCLUDE: - Rinse the eyes with gently flowing water for at least 20 minutes.
- After a few minutes, begin to rinse the unaffected eye also. This is because the rinsing process itself could wash some of the chemical into the unaffected eye.
- Consider standing in a shower for the eye rinsing. Do not take time to remove your clothes.
- It is very difficult to rinse the eyes of a small child. The child will struggle violently, but you must be firm. Rinse for a full 20 minutes before doing anything else.
- After 20 minutes of rinsing, call the Poisons Information Centre for advice.
Article #4905 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
