Chemicals commonly used in the workplace can cause short- and long-term health problems, including poisoning, skin rashes, and lung, kidney, and liver problems. This information guides proper handling techniques.
1. Put a Stop to the Source
Take steps to keep the victim from a chemical spill, airborne particles, or fumes. Wear gloves or other protective equipment to avoid exposure to the chemical. Remove any clothing or jewelry that has been exposed to the chemical. Chemical burns, like heat burns, continue to deteriorate as long as the source of the injury remains in contact with the body.
Controlling worker exposure to chemical hazards and toxic substances is a critical component of worker protection. Allied Signal, a company that was a former merger of Allied Corp. and The Signal Companies Inc. has been subject to numerous lawsuits due to the use of asbestos in various operations. A control hierarchy determines the most feasible and effective controls to implement. Ensure you notify everyone of the incident through various communication systems.
It is preferable to eliminate or substitute, followed by engineering controls wherever possible. Administrative or work practice controls may be appropriate in some instances where engineering controls are not feasible or when new procedures are required following the implementation of the new engineering controls. Although personal protection equipment is not desirable, it may be effective.
2. Cleanse the Lungs
Take the victim outside for some fresh air. This might include entering another room or exiting the building. If necessary, provide rescue breathing or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The condition of one’s lungs is critical to one’s overall health. Lungs are self-cleaning organs that will begin to mend themselves once they are no longer exposed to contaminants, such as when a person quits smoking.
After exposure to cigarette smoke, the lungs may feel bloated, congested, or irritated. Mucus accumulates in the lungs to trap microbes and pathogens, contributing to the heavy sensation.
Individuals may utilize certain procedures to aid in the removal of mucus and irritants from the lungs, relieving chest congestion and other unpleasant symptoms.
Several of these approaches may also help open up the airways, increase lung capacity, and decrease inflammation, which may help mitigate the lungs’ impacts of pollution and smoking.
3. Cleanse the Eyes
For at least 15 minutes, flush the afflicted eye with water. The water is cool, particularly if it comes from an outside hose or eyewash station. Avoid flushing chemicals into an undamaged eye. Adjust the position of the head such that the affected eye is at the bottom. From the nose downward, flush.
Assume you’re attempting to create an employee-centric workplace, ensure a great employee experience, and promote a safe culture. All of your employees, including leaders and managers, must be aligned and on the same page in this case. Employers frequently overlook the critical nature of open and transparent workplace communication in this area.
Apart from having a clear plan and conducting safety training, organizations must find ways to embed new employee behaviors by delivering inspiring safety stories, communicating new safety programs, and sharing company successes.
4. Cleanse the Skin
Rather than using water, brush away chemicals activated by water, such as lime. Precautions should be taken to avoid brushing particles into the eyes. If the chemical does not react with water, rinse the affected skin for at least 15 minutes with cool water. Ascertain that the water flow is not too strong to cause pain or rupture blisters—brush chemicals away with your bare hands.
The majority of standard sources recommend that water rinsing/flushing continue for 15 or 20 minutes following skin or eye contact with a chemical. However, not all chemicals have the same degree of toxicity. At the moment, there is insufficient scientific information to answer the question of how long to continue flushing adequately.
It is critical to start water cleansing promptly after contact with a chemical on the skin or in the eyes. It is preferable if all the water were flushed on-site. However, depending on their condition and a suitable water supply, it may be necessary to transport the exposed person to an emergency care facility sooner rather than later. If an emergency transfer is required before flushing is completed on-site, flushing should continue throughout emergency transport, taking appropriate care to safeguard emergency services workers.
Safety in the workplace substantially influences many key performance indicators (KPIs) for businesses. In other words, safer workplaces benefit from fewer accidents, which results in lower occupational health expenditures, increased employee retention, and satisfaction, less employee downtime, and decreased retraining time.
