1.0 Introduction
This policy has been developed to offer guidance to staff and students on safety and safe practices which apply to working with all types of chemical substances.
Very few chemicals are completely harmless and all chemicals should be considered as being potentially hazardous and harmful to health in some way if they are used without the proper precautions. Most chemicals can be handled using simple methods providing basic principles are understood.
When planning to use any chemical, take time to think, as ten seconds or ten minutes spent in weighing up the risks could save an injury - plan the work and find out the hazards and properties of the chemical. There is nothing wrong in seeking additional information and there are many reference books available, particularly in the Chemistry Library. If staff have not had experience in handling hazardous substances they should first contact their supervisor or School Safety Officer, Safety and Health Office or the Director of University Health Services for advice and guidance.
Control strategies which need to be considered when using hazardous chemicals are;
- Engineering and design controls such as
- elimination - is the chemical really required?
- substitution - can it be substituted with a less hazardous chemical?
- isolation or enclosure - can the process and persons be separated?
- ventilation - used to control airborne contamination.
- Human behaviour controls such as
- training - users need to understand and appreciate the hazard;
- supervision - essential to maintain safe systems of work;
- monitoring - may be necessary to ensure risks are under control;
- personal protective equipment - the final measure to be used.
Safety Guidelines
The following guidelines provide a minimum standard for the protection of persons and property when using chemical substances:
Personal Protection
- Wear safety spectacles and appropriate personal protective equipment;
- Food and drink must not be taken into or consumed in an area where chemicals are handled or stored;
- Smoking is prohibited;
- Reactions in which a toxic or flammable material is being used or is likely to be produced should be carried out in a fume cupboard;
- Hazardous chemical substances must not be stored, prepared or used unless the area is properly equipped for those materials;
- First Aid equipment must be provided and its position known to the occupiers of the area.
General Protection
- Fire precautions must be suited to the chemical substances in use;
- Burners or flames must not be left alight in unattended areas - use electric heating or steam baths where possible;
- Cylinders of compressed and liquefied gases must be turned off at the cylinder valve when not in use and wherever possible separated from sources of heat;
- Any service (water, electricity etc.) that is required to be left in use while it is unattended must carry a signed and dated notice which advises "PLEASE
- Adequate instruction must be displayed so that in an emergency, the process can be safely stopped;
- Gas cylinders must be firmly anchored to the bench or wall and must only be moved with trolleys specifically designed for the purpose;
- Damaged apparatus must be placed so as not to be a danger to other workers;
- Winchesters must only be transported in properly designed carriers;
- Running or boisterous behaviour in laboratories and workshops is forbidden.
Fire Protection
With fires or other potentially hazardous situations, if in doubt, get out and raise the appropriate alarm.
There are five classes of fires. The different types of portable fire extinguishers and kinds of fires on which they may be used are:
Class A- Fires involving carbonaceous solids - use water, foam or dry chemical type extinguishers.
Class B- Fires involving flammable liquids - use dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide type extinguishers.
Class C- Fires involving flammable gases - attempt to turn off gas if safe to do so. Evacuate.
Class D- Fires involving combustible metals - specialist advice required but smothering with sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate is suitable.
Class E- Electrical Hazards - use carbon dioxide or dry powder types. NEVER use water.
Fire blankets and a supply of dry sand or vermiculite should also be available in all laboratories and workshops.
Personnel should familiarise themselves with the location and type(s) of fire extinguisher(s) in their workplace, and should be given regular demonstrations by their School Safety Officer in the use of fire extinguishers and attend the regular emergency evacuation lectures by Safety and Health Office staff.
Classification of Chemicals
Any chemical substance is primarily classified by its physical state as either solid, liquid or gas.
A chemical may enter the body in one of the following ways:
- by ingestion;
- by absorption through the skin;
- by inhalation;
- by injection.
Once in the body the chemical may be:
- stored in body organs or tissues
- metabolised to either a more harmful or less harmful substance;
- excreted from the body either unchanged or as a metabolite;
Different chemicals cause a wide range of health effects. The various chemical groups are
- acute poisons where a short exposure causes an immediate effect;
- chronic toxins which cause harm due to prolonged exposure;
- corrosive chemicals or irritants which usually affect mucous membranes (mouth, nose, throat, lungs);
- allergins or sensitisers which cause a change in the bodys reaction to that substance, so that subsequent exposure causes a reaction, such as dermatitis or asthma;
- carcinogens which are chemicals capable of producing cancer;
- mutagens which alter the genetic code of cells and can cause mutations; and
- teratogens which affect the growth of the fertilised egg and embryo, also causing mutations;
General Laboratory Practice
Technological advances and the implementation of new methods in recent years have considerably increased basic safety in many laboratories.
Laboratory Organisation
Good house-keeping is essential in accident prevention in all workplaces but especially in laboratories. Benches should be kept tidy and walkways clear. All bottles should be clearly labelled and fitted with stoppers or lids when not in use.
Adequate clamping and framework must be used when erecting apparatus and if for any reason work has to be carried out above head height a platform must be constructed with safe access thereto.
Warning signs should be placed in areas clearly visible to all laboratory personnel.
All accidents and hazards must be reported at once in accordance with the recognised University accident reporting procedure (See Section 1, Appendix 3).
Safety Equipment
Priority should always be given to eliminating or reducing hazards either by substitution of less hazardous materials, less hazardous processes or by engineering controls eg. ventilation, containment.
Where hazards cannot be eliminated, personal protective equipment must be worn. Although due care should be exercised at all times when using chemicals, the protection of the individual from the result of error in procedure or technique is still necessary. The type of protection will depend upon the task undertaken but it is important to remember that protective devices do not eliminate hazards - they only minimise the effects.
Eye protection
Eye protection must be worn at all times whenever chemicals are handled or when glass apparatus is evacuated or recharged with gas or taken above atmospheric pressure.
Normal eye protection should take the form of wrap around poly-carbonate goggles or safety spectacles with side shields, Safety spectacles are now available that are comfortable, lightweight and stylish but combine high impact resistant lenses. A half or full face visor may be necessary for some jobs.
Whenever a chemical process is being undertaken in conjunction with the use of lasers, ultra-violet radiation or other intense light, specialised eye protection is required. Details are available from the Radiation Protection Office.
Contact lenses are dangerous in laboratories and should not be worn unless they are essential for therapeutic reasons. If they are worn then a face shield must also be worn. Gases and vapours can become concentrated and immobilised under the lenses and cause serious eye damage. If chemical splashes occur, it is almost impossible to remove the lenses to irrigate the eye thoroughly. Soft lenses are especially dangerous, as even behind a face shield, they may absorb vapours and stick to the eye.
Gloves
Plastic gloves of a suitable weight are essential laboratory equipment. They should be worn when strong acids, strong alkalis and organic liquids and other chemicals which may be absorbed across the skin are being handled. They may also act as an effective barrier to chemicals which may be dermal sensitisers. It should be noted that various types of gloves can be pervious to some chemicals.
Clothing
Laboratory coats should always be used since they offer a good first line of defence in an accident situation and can readily be removed in a hurry. Care should be taken in the selection of the type of laboratory coat - light cotton with ribbed close fitting sleeve cuffs is recommended; nylon is not recommended as it is easily destroyed by heat; synthetic fibres offer poor protection against liquids by allowing passage through the material with little or no absorption.
Footwear
Because of the possibility of chemical spills and glass breakage, enclosed footwear is essential. Thongs and sandals shall not be worn in a laboratory.
Respirators
Respirators appropriate to the chemical in use, particularly gases, should always be made available. However, they should be viewed as a second line of defence for use in an emergency and must not be used as standard day-to-day equipment. Beards do not allow respirators to fit properly. Persons with beards attempting to use respirators may end up inhaling hazardous airborne materials.
Other Personal Protection
For the more toxic chemicals, complete body protection may be desirable. Such items as rubber boots, leggings, plastic or rubber aprons and arm length gloves may be required.
In some instances, a process may require the full and unimpaired use of the hands as well as protection and suitable barrier creams may be employed. These however must be chosen with great care as they are unsuitable for all situations.
Adequate ventilation of laboratories is essential!
Fume cupboards are the most commonly used means of removing gases, dusts, mists vapours and fumes from laboratory operations thereby minimising the toxic exposure and flammable concentrations.
To be effective, the fume cupboard and its associated components must confine the contaminants within the cupboard, remove them through the ductwork and ensure that they do not return to the building via the fresh air supply systems (mechanical or natural).
The air velocity across the fume cupboard face is the basic requirement for the capture and control of contaminants and an intake velocity of 0.5 metres per second with the sash fully opened is required.
For storage of chemicals requiring continuous ventilation, particularly organic solvents, special fire resistant storage cabinets should be used. In some cases, these storage cabinets may be exhausted by being connected into the exhaust duct from a continuously operating fume cupboard. However, in most cases a separate exhaust system is required.
Local exhaust ventilation works by capturing the contaminants near their point of release and removing them from the operator’s breathing zone. Common types include extraction fans and exhaust hoods.
Australian Standard AS2243, Part 8 - 1992 Safety in Laboratories, Fume Cupboards, is the accepted reference for information on all aspects of fume cupboard operations. The following is a summary of the major requirements given in the standard:
1. Requires a uniform face velocity with an average value of 0.5 metres per second
2. Transparent, easily moveable horizontally sliding or vertically rising sash;
3. Minimum sash opening to limit the face velocity and to ensure an adequate air flow to dilute the exhaust of heat and fumes generated within the cupboard. The maximum sash opening for safe working should be clearly marked;
4. Provision of fume scrubbers or wash down facilities if the fume cupboard is to be used for procedures involving perchloric acid digestion or other large scale digestions or evaporations using aggressive acids;
5. All controls for services to be colour coded and placed on the outer surface of the fume cupboard;
6. Reduction of turbulence within the fume cupboard by aerodynamic leading edges and aerofoils;
7. Regular six-monthly maintenance check and testing of face velocity.
2.0 Legislation
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 refers to the duty of manufacturers, importers and suppliers to provide toxicological data and other such data as is relevant to the safe handling, use, processing, storage transportation and disposal of substances provided by them. (Section 23 (3)).
In addition a number of different Acts and Regulations endeavour to control other aspects of chemical usage in
- Dangerous Goods (Road Transport) Regulations (1983)
- Environmental Protection Act (1986)
- Explosive Regulations (1963)
- Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act (1961)
- Flammable Liquids Act (1967)
- Health Act (1911)
- Pesticide Regulations (1956)
- Poisons Act (1964) and Regulations (1965)
- Radiation Safety Act (1975) and Regulations (1986)
Handling of Chemicals
Handling of chemicals must be carried out with great care and the following procedures shall be observed:
1. Obtain and read the manufacturer’s material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every chemical used;
2. Use the minimum amount of any chemical and if there is a choice, use the least toxic or least flammable substances;
3. Clearly label all containers and include a standard warning label as necessary. Always carry out correct storage and disposal procedures:
4. Lock scheduled drugs and poisons in a cupboard;
5. Use correct handling methods, protective devices and clothing required for the particular substance;
6. Find out beforehand the correct treatment, in the case of an accident, for the harmful effects of hazardous materials;
7. Wash hands after handling chemicals.
In addition the following procedures should always be observed:
- NEVER allow toxic materials to get into the mouth or touch the lips;
- NEVER pipette solutions by mouth;
- NEVER put bottles of acids or alkalis on high shelves;
- NEVER pour water into concentrated acids;
- NEVER sniff at possibly toxic materials;
- NEVER store any flammable solvent in a domestic refrigerator unless the storage compartment has been modified to ensure it is non-sparking;
- NEVER work alone if performing hazardous procedures.
Spillage of chemicals should be dealt with immediately. The method employed will depend upon the type of material spilt and the surface on which it has been spilt.
Flammable and explosive vapours should be prevented from spreading and the area isolated or evacuated if necessary.
For liquid spills, the area should be roped off as someone may be unaware of the spill and could slip on the floor with subsequent injury.
Compressed and Liquefied Gases
Gases in laboratories and workshops are stored in three ways:
1. High pressure cylinders. eg. oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, methane.
2. Liquefied or dissolved gases in cylinders under pressure. eg propane, ethylene, acetylene, chlorine, ammonia, sulphur dioxide.
3. Liquefied gases in very low temperature jacketed containers at 1 atmosphere pressure. eg. air, oxygen, nitrogen, neon.
Gas Cylinders
1. All operations should be carried out with the cylinder in an upright position either in a cylinder stand or secured in a holder with a ring and chain. It may be hazardous to lay the cylinder on the floor since if the valve is dislodged the cylinder may become a projectile.
2. Cylinders which are dropped must not be used as the connections or valves may be damaged.
3. Full cylinders should be separated from empty ones. Empty cylinders should be left with a slightly positive pressure and the cylinder valve closed and marked MT with the date.
4. Gas cylinders must not be allowed to become hot.
5. Cylinder valves should be opened carefully and be unscrewed more than two or three turns but never fully opened.
6. Faulty valves, regulators and pressure gauges must not be used. If the gas in the cylinder is corrosive or poisonous, adequate precautions should be taken before it is used and the equipment for an emergency should be readily available, eg. respirator, breathing apparatus. Never use oil or grease on valves or gauges.
7. Oxygen cylinders shall be stored separately from cylinders containing acetylene or other combustible gases
Only personnel suitably instructed or trained in the correct procedure should handle the liquid gases: nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, air or solid carbon dioxide.
Liquefied Gases
1. Containers
Liquefied gases at atmospheric pressure are contained in vacuum-jacketed vessels or, if they boil at very low temperatures, with a guard jacket of liquid nitrogen surrounding them.
2. Transfer
If the boiling point of the gas is below that of liquid air, care must be taken in transferring the liquid from stock to the apparatus, ie. into a Dewar-type vessel or a cryostat. A vacuum-jacketed syphon must be used; if the gas is poured from the container a plug of solid air may form in the outlet. These operations may be taken only after consultation with the suppliers of the liquefied gas. It is sometimes convenient to transfer liquid oxygen or nitrogen from its container by pressurisation. This may be done safely if the appropriate dry gas is used and if appropriate precautions to prevent over pressure of the containing vessel are taken.
3. Empties
Containers of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen should not be completely emptied; occasionally they should be allowed to warm up to ambient temperature and they should be purged with dry nitrogen.
4. Spills
If liquid nitrogen is spilled, the surrounding atmosphere will not support life. Spilled liquid oxygen will greatly increase the risk of fire. If liquid hydrogen or methane is spilled, a flammable or explosive mixture will result; if a fire starts, treat it as for a petrol fire.
5. Use of Liquid Nitrogen
Traps open to air at atmospheric pressure must not be placed where they can be cooled by liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is sufficiently cold to condense air enriched in oxygen from the atmosphere and quite large quantities of liquid air may accumulate in an open vessel cooled by liquid nitrogen. The liquid oxygen will evaporate vigorously if the coolant is removed.
6. Use of Liquid Oxygen
Liquid oxygen must not be allowed to mix with flammable material as a high-potential hazard will result.
7. Use of Dry Ice
Large quantities of dry ice should not be used in a confined space unless adequate forced ventilation is provided. Dry ice must never be handled with bare hands or cloth gloves as a severe burn may result.
8. Use of Other Gases
Instructions for handling liquid hydrogen, helium, argon and methane should be sought from the suppliers; any experimental work should be based on their advice. It is common practice to put liquefied gases into "Dewar" flasks. Ensure that such flasks are taped or boxed to guard against implosion.
Agricultural Chemicals
Special chemical hazards in the form of pesticides are occasionally encountered by the grounds staff and some personnel in the Faculty of Agriculture and Schools of Botany and Zoology.
Recognised pesticides include a wide variety of chemical types, some of which are stable while others break down under certain environmental conditions, eg. water, temperature. The term 'pesticide" includes any substance or mixture of substances intended for prevention or control of any unwanted species of plant or animal, or for use as a plant-growth regulator, defoliant or desiccant. It includes the following categories;
* fungicide
* rodenticide
* herbicide
* veterinary chemicals
* insecticide
Inhalation and skin absorption are the most common routes of entry. Inhaled pesticides are almost completely absorbed by the lungs and risk is increased when a pesticide is used in a confined space, eg. glass house. The appropriate respiratory protection device must be used - cartridge or canister respirators and supplied air devices. Respiratory protection is not effective for persons with beards. This apparatus should be checked frequently for deterioration and following use should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Organic solvents must not be used to clean these respirators.
Most of the commonly used pesticides may be absorbed through the skin. Protective clothing is necessary (overalls, disposable gloves, waterproof boots and a face shield) and is compulsory when using organochlorine pesticides (eg. dieldrin, lindane and heptachlor) and organophosphorous pesticides (eg. malathion and parathion). Any cuts or abrasions should be covered with waterproof dressing.
Containers must be clearly labelled showing their contents, instructions for use and safety procedures. Supervisors should hold copies of the suppliers or manufacturers safety data sheets.
Pesticides should be kept in separate locked storage facilities with access restricted to responsible and informed persons.
Following treatment with a pesticide, warning notices should be displayed showing the name of the pesticide, date of application, safe re-entry date and the name of the responsible officer. All equipment, including tractors, must be appropriately de-contaminated at a suitable site.
Detailed requirements for the handling and storage of pesticides are contained in Australian Standards AS2507 - 1981, a copy of which is available in the Physical Sciences Library and the Pesticides Regulations 1956 (WA).
Photographic Chemicals
Persons who work in photographics laboratories and dark rooms come into contact with a large number of chemicals many of which are hazardous.
Principles of safety in laboratories extend to photographic work.
Measurement and Monitoring
If there is a possibility of a significant exposure to a hazardous substance then monitoring is required. Since the most likely route of entry into the body is by inhalation, measurement of air-borne contaminants is an important procedure.
The most widely adopted unit of measurement is the threshold limit value, TLV, which is an indication of the concentration to which a person can be continually exposed during a normal working 8 hour day. The unit is expressed in parts per million in air (ppm) or milligrams per cubic metre of air (mg/m3).
Air monitoring is done in several ways.
Fixed Point Monitoring
- A sensor or collecting device is placed in a fixed position in the workplace;
- Samples are taken continuously or at regular intervals;
Personal Sampling
- Individuals wear either a badge (passive monitoring) or a charcoal tube and a small pump (active monitoring);
- Analysis is carried out in the laboratory;
- The contaminant collected by the badge or tube is an indication of the amount being inhaled;
- Wearing of the tube and pump can be a nuisance so this method is only used as a means of checking the relevance of fixed point monitoring;
- Badges have been shown to be widely inaccurate.
Grab Sampling
- A known volume of workplace air is drawn by a small hand pump through a glass containing a test chemical;
- The extent of discolouration of the test chemical indicates the amount of pollution present;
- The discolouration extends down the tube which is calibrated in parts per million of contaminant;
- Tubes are available for a large range of chemicals (>200).
Storage of Chemicals
All chemicals must be stored under appropriate conditions as specified in AS 1940 and AS 2243.10. The storage area should be located some distance from any work area and only minimal quantities of chemicals sufficient for the task being undertaken should be kept at the workplace.
Amounts of flammable solvents should be restricted to minimum quantities necessary and stored in fire resistant cabinets. Glass bottles containing liquid chemicals must be stored on properly secured shelves or in sectioned crates. Do not allow direct sunlight onto reagent bottles.
Do not store chemicals on high shelves or leave loose on the floor.
Dissimilar reactive materials must be kept separated. It is undesirable to store the following in proximity to one another:
- Strong acids, bases, oxidising and reducing agents;
- Strong acids with ammonia;
- Perchloric acid with alcohol or oils:
- Nitric acid with alcohol or acetone;
- Hydrogen peroxide with organics (particularly acetone);
- Benzoyl peroxide or sodium peroxide with organics;
- Permanganate with glycerols, glycols or other organics.
BEWARE! The use of plastic containers for some chemicals is not recommended.
Volatile flammables and other dangerous chemicals should not be stored on the shelves or in the door of refrigerators. If refrigerated storage is necessary for these types of chemicals then the refrigerator storage compartment must be fitted with spark-free and explosion-proof controls and the chemicals must be neatly stored (in minimal quantities) on the main shelves. It is recommended that only spark free refrigerators be used in laboratory areas.
Note:University Schools located at the QE II Medical Centre should refer to the current procedures for chemical storage in relation to the hazardous chemical and bulk chemical stores located on the QE II site.
Workshops
The safety code already given for laboratories also applies to workshops. There are however additional points in relation to chemical safety which are particularly relevant to workshops.
These include;
1. Harmful or potentially harmful processes should be carried out using properly designed and well maintained equipment and where practicable in separate areas restricted to a minimum or persons;
2. If harmful concentrations of fumes or gases develop in certain processes, specific provision should be made for their extraction using local exhaust ventilation in addition to the general ventilation of the workshop;
3. Provision should be made to afford protection against chemical agencies such as harmful dusts, mists, vapours;
4. Chemicals bearing trade names should not be used unless the supplier or manufacturer provides a material safety data sheet giving full information on the precautions which need to be taken when handling the chemical;
5. The possibility of toxic or flammable gases existing or being generated should be indicated by proximately displayed notices.
Requirements and precautions to be taken for specific workshop processes are detailed in Australian Standard AS1485 - 1983, Safety and Health in Workrooms of Educational Establishments (Section 10). A copy of which is available for reference in the Mathematics and Physical Sciences (
Some of the more important aspects of hazardous workshop processes are:
Solvent Degreasing
The following solvents are permitted for use in workshops:
Trichloroethane
This should always be used in a fume cupboard and only for small scale operations;
Trichloroethylene & Perchloroethylene
These should only be used in equipment specifically designed and in a well ventilated area free from draught. These solvents have anaesthetic properties and are harmful when inhaled or on contact with the skin producing:
- Headaches, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, visual disturbances and even unconsciousness;
- Dermatitis.
Caustic alkalis MUST NOT be used with trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene as they produce an explosive mixture.
The following MUST NOT be used with trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene as they can produce an explosive mixture.
- Aluminium
- Ozone
- Barium
- Potassium Hydroxide
- Lithium
- Potassium Nitrate
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Liquid Oxygen
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Nitrogen Tetroxide
- Titanium
The use of solvents having either high flammability or high toxicity for use in solvent degreasing operations is not recommended. Such solvents include:
- petrol, alcohol, kerosene, ketones and esters (high flammability);
- benzene, carbon tetrachloride (high toxicity)
Solvent degreasing processes using flammable solvents shall not be carried out near open flames or electric heaters.
Spillages should be mopped up with rags or by absorbing in sawdust, dry sand or earth and removing to an open space. Incinerators MUST NOT be used.
Electroplating and Anodising
The floor of any electroplating area should be of impervious material and chemically resistant to the substances used in the electroplating process.
Tanks must be clearly labelled 'POISON' or 'CORROSIVE' and show the names of the chemical constituents.
Special ventilation provisions apply to chromium and cadmium plating baths (see Section 10.5.3 in AS1485 - 1986).
The relevant authorities should be consulted to determine any special arrangements for disposal of waste.
Spray painting and Coating
All spray painting should be done in a properly constructed and mechanically ventilated booth. The spray area in which all operations and personnel need to be properly supervised is defined as the area within the booth and within 3 metres of the entrances to any booth.
Anyone engaged in or exposed to spray painting of lead paint, silica paint or epoxy resin must wear suitable protective clothing and head covering.
The following substances are prohibited for use in spray painting operations:
- Carbon bisulphide and carbon tetrachloride;
- Tetrachloroethane;
- Arsenic or any of its compounds;
- Any compound containing >1% benzene or methanol.
The following substances may be used:
- Amyl, methyl amyl and n-butyl acetates;
- Mineral turpentine;
- Toluene and xylene.
Welding and Soldering
Many materials and coatings give off toxic fumes during welding. These include galvanised iron and compounds of cadmium, lead, zinc and many similar metals.
Inhalation of fumes can be avoided if the following precautions are observed:
· Use the least toxic material or process practicable
· Ensure there is adequate ventilation in the form of a moveable exhaust hood or if not available, an appropriate respiratory protective device should be used.
First Aid
This section is not meant to be a complete first aid guide; only the essential points are given. With chemicals prompt action is often essential.
Heat and Chemical Burns to Body
· If clothing is on fire, lay person down immediately to stop the spread of the flames;
· Put out the flames by rolling the person in a blanket or by immediately holding them under a shower if one is available;
· Ask someone to contact the nearest first aid officer to give treatment. A list of first aid personnel is given in the first section of this manual;
· Do not attempt to pull away clothing or remove any substance which has burnt into the skin.
Chemical Burns to Eyes
These injuries require instant treatment:
Irrigate the eyes with water under the tap or direct into the eye(s) a stream of water from a wash bottle - do this for at least 20 minutes;
Make no attempt to touch the eye(s) or remove any particles from it.
Persons with eye injuries should be transported to the Emergency Department at
Acute Poisoning (by ingestion)
Treatment depends upon the nature of the substance swallowed, but generally:
- Seek medical aid urgently (Ph: 2222 - main Crawley Campus);
- Do not induce vomiting;
- Give copious amounts of water or milk;
- Wipe the substance away from the mouth and face.
Vomiting should only be induced if the poison is a medicinal substance - SYRUP OF IPECACUANHA should be given, if available, to achieve this.
Special Hazards
Acids
For skin and eyes, wash copiously with water for at least 20 minutes.
If acid has entered mouth, wash with water and a dilute solution of sodium bicarbonate. If swallowed, give water and milk of magnesia and then magnesium carbonate solution.
Oxalic Acid
If swallowed, administer chalk in water or magnesium carbonate solution.
Hydrofluoric Acid
Rapidly remove all contaminated clothing. Flush affected area with large quantities of cold water. Apply CALCIUM GLUCONATE
Narcotic Vapours - Volatile Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Remove contaminated clothing, lie the person down and keep the person warm. Oxygen may be required and artificial respiration given if breathing stops.
Cyanide and Hydrocyanic Acid
Speed is essential. There is no approved First Aid for cyanide poisoning that can be performed by non-qualified personnel. Oxygen should be administered by a First Aid Officer qualified in oxygen resuscitation. Ring for an ambulance and also call Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Emergency Department (9346 2396) to inform them that a patient suffering cyanide poisoning will be arriving by ambulance.
University Accident and Hazard Reporting System
The University accident and hazard reporting system utilises several forms each to be used in different circumstances. These forms should be available in each School and obtainable from the School Safety Officer, School Administrative Officer or Technical Administrative Officer
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