FIRST AID IN CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES

Preview This section provides basic information about what you should do if there is some kind of medical emergency in the laboratory. 

A half doctor near is better than a whole one far away. 

INCIDENT 2.1.4.1 CPR REVIVES RESEARCHER AFTER ELECTRICAL SHOCK  

What lessons can be learned from this incident  

Every experienced lab worker can relate stories of injuries sustained in labs. Many are minor, some are serious, and virtually all of the injmies could have easily been avoided by following fairly simple guidelines discussed throughout this book. Whether injuries should happen, and what causes them, is a very worthwhile discussion to have with peers and mentors whether injuries will happen seems statistically inevitable. Acknowledging this, it is prudent to have reasonable safety equipment handy (such as fire extinguishers and safety showers) and also to be prepared to render help to anyone who is injured. How to respond to lab emergencies in general is discussed in Section 2.1.1. This section discusses specific first aid procedures. 

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Chemical spills can sometimes lead to injuries to students in the form of inhaling toxic fumes or skin exposure. In all cases, dealing with injuries and effecting a quick evacuation of the area supersedes any other action regarding the spill. Information about how to treat persons exposed to chemicals is presented in Section 2.1.4, First Aid in Chemistry Laboratories. In some situations, calling 911 for emergency medical help is appropriate. 

FIRST AID IN CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES TABLE 2.1.4.1 Burn Severity... 

Safety Guidelines in the Chemistry Laboratory First Aid in the Laboratory Safety Symbols... 

Become familiar with the location and use of standard safety features in your laboratory. All chemistry laboratories should be equipped with fire extinguishers, eyewashes, safety showers, fume hoods, chemical spill kits, first-aid supplies, and containers for chemical disposal. Any questions regarding the use of these features should be addressed to your instructor or teaching assistant. 

INKS stiU, in its brochure about laboratories teaching chemistry (reference ED 1506) advises The installation of eye washing devices in every laboratory is also recommended. Specific products designed for first aid treatment of ocular or other chemical bums can complete the display and improve the efficacy of washing with water, which must immediately follow. Such products can be delivered by autonomous portable showers and should only be used under the agreement of the medical service and should be renewed regularly. ... 

Gagne and White have developed a model of ways in which memory can aid or inhibit learning. Two of these postulates are more relevant for making effective use of laboratories. The first are called images. They are figural representation in memory of diagrams, pictures or scenes. This type of memory can be built up by chemistry teacher in the class room or laboratory. 

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