Laboratory accidents and first aid

Emergency and first aid procedures. This section usually includes recommendations for firefighting procedures, first aid treatment, and steps to be taken if the material is released or spilled. Again, the measures outlined here are chosen to encompass worst-case scenarios, including accidents on a larger scale than could conceivably occur in a laboratory. 

Finally, the student should familiarise himself with the contents of the Section in the Appendix upon Laboratory Accidents, with the position of the fire extinguisher, buckets of sand, first aid cabinet, and the fireproof blanket. 

An American Red Cross first-aid handbook should be part of your laboratory equipment. Refer to it in case of accident, and never hesitate to call a doctor if you are accidentally burned or inhale irritating fumes. 

All laboratories display notices telling you where to find the first aid kit and who to contact in case of accident/emergency. Report all accidents, even those appearing insignificant - your department will have a reporting procedure to comply with safety legislation. 

In case of fire or accident call the laboratory instructor at once if possible. But there are times when seconds count, and the student should be ready in such cases to administer first aid to himself and others and to put out a fire before it spreads. 

Each chemical laboratory must-clearly display such available facilities at strategically located positions, namely first-aid equipment, nearest telephone, emergency medical team(s), hospital(s), and fire hrigade(s), so that in the event of an accident and immediate action is feasible. 

We cannot revoke Murph/s law, but we can do a lot to minimize the damage. We can reduce the incidence of sparks and flames and flammable vapors. We can make sure that if the accident does occur, we have the means to contain the damage and to take care of any injuries that result. All of this means thinking about the laboratory environment. Does your laboratory have or enforce regulations related to important items such as eye, face, and foot protection, safety clothing, respiratory equipment, first aid supplies, fire equipment, spill kits, hoods, and compliance regulations Think ahead about what could go wrong and then plan and prepare to minimize the chance of an accident and be prepared to respond when one does occur. 

To avoid or minimise accidents in the chemical laboratory, such as fires and explosions, and to ensure that students and staff are not exposed to odier health hazards, they should be aware of the risks involved in handling chemicals and in carrying out reactions. In addition, they should know the measures required to deal widi hazardous situations. They should be familiar with the use and situation of fire extinguishers, protective blankets, eye wash facility, first aid box, as well as evacuation procedure in case of fire or explosion. Chemicals manufacturers are obliged by law to label all hazardous chemicals with a warning sign to indicate the type of hazard. When chemicals are dispensed in containers other than those supplied by manufacture, these containers should be also clearly labelled for the possible hazards. 

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