Lab Safety - Providing First Aid
Another part that should be considered when it comes to laboratory safety practices is, unfortunately, also the case where an accident has occurred within the laboratory and must of course be addressed both in the immediate and critical range and in the later stages following the evacuation of the casualties. Laboratory workers must be closely acquainted, as part of safety managers, with what and how they should respond as first aid applicants in a situation where one of their members needs immediate treatment that is often lifesaving.
Eye injury
Eye Injury in the laboratory will often be caused by contact with a chemical. The requirement in this case is to wash your eyes for at least 15 minutes. It is important to rinse with eyes wide open. At the same time, a doctor should be called for further treatment.
Skin burns
Skin burns are common in lab work. The burns happen either from direct exposure of a chemical with the skin or in cases of extreme temperature exposure created during the work. In cold burns and heat burns, the place should be soaked in ice water or rinsed in cold water (cold water availability in the laboratory must be ensured regularly). In case of a direct skin contact burn, it is necessary to rinse the injury in cold water for at least ten minutes. In cases where some of the clothing sticks to the burn, it is forbidden to try to remove the clothing from the skin. Also, do not lay cotton or any other material on the premises and of course contact medical staff.
Injuries
Laboratory work often causes various injuries. In many cases, laboratory workers are required to work at different heights, work in front of glass vessels that may be shattered, work at sharp and uncomfortable inclines. This activity may result in injuries, so a first aid kit is required to be available at all times. Injuries accompanied by serious cuts where there is severe blood loss, should be stopped as soon as possible with the aid of a bandage or a tourniquet and physical pressure at the same time, while calling for medical help.
Poisoning
Ingestion or tasting of a prohibited substance, often happen out of carelessness. In these cases, the victim will often find himself unconscious. Of course, it is required of the staff to perform CPR. Emphasis should be placed on the new MDA regulations that require in CPR, only to provide chest massage and no mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Electrocution
When electrocution occurs to one of the laboratory staff members before the injured person is treated, the electricity supply must of course be disconnected in the laboratory. An electric shock can result in burns and in many cases, respiratory failure and should be treated as previously mentioned.