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3-First Aid for Exposure to Sulfur Dioxide
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What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing sulfur dioxide?
What do I do if someone gets sulfur dioxide on their skin?
What do I do if someone gets sulfur dioxide in their eyes?
What do I do if someone swallows sulfur dioxide?
Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?
What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing sulfur dioxide? Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g. wear appropriate protective equipment, use the buddy system). 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 sulfur dioxide on their skin? GAS: Take measures to prevent skin contact. If irritation occurs, flush contaminated area with lukewarm, gently running water for at least 5 minutes. If irritation persists, obtain medical attention immediately. LIQUID: Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective clothing, if necessary. Quickly remove victim from source of contamination and briefly flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water until the chemical is removed. DO NOT attempt to rewarm the affected area on site. DO NOT rub area or apply dry heat. Gently remove clothing or jewelry that may restrict circulation. Carefully cut around clothing that sticks to the skin and remove the rest of the garment. Loosely cover the affected area with a sterile dressing. DO NOT allow victim to drink alcohol or smoke. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility. What do I do if someone gets sulfur dioxide in their eyes? Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 5 minutes for the gas (20 minutes for the liquid) or until the chemical is removed, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. Obtain medical attention immediately. What do I do if someone swallows sulfur dioxide? Ingestion is not an applicable route of exposure for gases. 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 under minor instances of inhalation or skin 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.
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Document last updated on June 18, 1999
Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
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