First Aid in the Laboratory

Report ALL accidents, injuries, and spills to your laboratory instructor

IMMEDIATELY!!!
You must know:
 Safe Laboratory techniques
 Where and how to report an accident, injury, or spill
 Location of first aid equipment, fire extinguisher

Condition and First Aid

Basic First-Aid Procedures for Laboratories

Situation Safe Response

Burns
Minor – include small scalds or burns from hot objects.
 Flush the burned area with cool water from a tap or use cool
wet compresses applied to the skin.
 Cleanse the burned area. Apply burn cream from the first aid
kit
 Flush the burned area with cool water from a tap or use cool
wet compresses applied to the skin.

Chemical Burn

 Start treatment immediately by placing the burned area under

cool running water and continue flushing for at least 15 minutes
 If the chemical has splashed into the eye, irrigate the injured eye
with cool water. Make sure the eye is open and the head is
positioned so the water will not run into the other eye. Irrigate
for at least 15 minutes, and then cover the eye with a sterile
compress. Recommend the individual seek emergency medical
treatment.
Cuts & Bruises Treat as directed by instructions included with first aid kit
Fainting or Provide person with fresh air, have him recline in a position so that
collapse his head is lower than their body;
Fire Turn off all flames and gas outlets; use fire extinguisher to put out
fire. DO NOT use water to put out fire
Foreign Matter Flush about 15 min with plenty of water, then go to the University
in Eyes Clinic
Severe bleeding Apply pressure or a compress directly to the wound and get medical
attention immediately

1. Spills, general 1. Wash area with plenty of water, use safety shower if needed
2. Acid burns 2. Use sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda)
3. Base burns 3. Use boric acid or vinegar