|
|
|
|
 |
|
Related Products and Services |
|
|
 |
3-First Aid for Exposure to Sodium Hydroxide
|
|
What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing sodium hydroxide solutions?
What do I do if someone gets sodium hydroxide solution on their skin?
What do I do if someone gets sodium hydroxide solution in their eyes?
What do I do if someone swallows sodium hydroxide solution?
Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?
What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing sodium hydroxide solutions? Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, oxygen may be beneficial if administered by trained personnel, preferably on a doctor's advice. DO NOT allow victim to move about unnecessarily. Symptoms of pulmonary edema can be delayed up to 48 hours after exposure. Immediately transport victim to an emergency care facility. What do I do if someone gets sodium hydroxide solution on their skin? Avoid direct contact with this chemical. Wear chemical resistant protective clothing, if necessary. As quickly as possible, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Flush contaminated area with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 60 minutes, by the clock. DO NOT INTERRUPT FLUSHING. If necessary, keep emergency vehicle waiting. Transport victim to an emergency care facility immediately. Discard contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods. What do I do if someone gets sodium hydroxide solution in their eyes? Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical resistant gloves, if necessary. Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 60 minutes, by the clock, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Neutral saline solution may be used as soon as it is available. DO NOT INTERRUPT FLUSHING. If necessary, keep emergency vehicle waiting. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility. What do I do if someone swallows sodium hydroxide solution? NEVER give anything by mouth if victim is rapidly losing consciousness, is unconscious or convulsing. Have victim rinse mouth thoroughly with water. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Have victim drink 240 to 300 mL (8 to 10 oz.) of water to dilute material in stomach. If milk is available, it may be administered AFTER the water has been given. If vomiting occurs naturally, repeat administration of water. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility. Is there anything else I need to know about first aid? Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest). Consult a doctor and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for all exposures except minor instances of inhalation contact. Some recommendations in the above sections may be considered medical acts in some jurisdictions. These recommendations should be reviewed with a doctor and appropriate delegation of authority obtained, as required. All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the material and its conditions of use in the workplace.
 |
Document last updated on June 18, 1999
Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
|
|
