What is the first step you should take after chemical exposure to the face?

What is the first step you should take after chemical exposure to the face?

• A. Don't remove your goggles.
• B. Notify the TA.
• C. The TA will take you to the eyewash station.
• D. Rinse your eyes for 15 minutes with your goggles on.

Answer: (A)

Immediately protect your eyes by not removing your goggles. Keeping the protective eyewear in place preserves the barrier against further chemical exposure while you move to safety equipment. The next essential step is to get to the eyewash station and begin flushing the eyes and face to dilute and rinse away the chemical. Do this for at least 15 minutes, with your eyelids held open to ensure thorough rinsing. After you’ve started rinsing, alert the TA and seek medical evaluation if irritation or symptoms persist. Being quick to protect the eyes and initiate flushing is more important than any delay in removing PPE or waiting for someone to guide you—the goggles help prevent additional exposure, and the eyewash is where the cleanup begins.

Immediately protect your eyes by not removing your goggles. Keeping the protective eyewear in place preserves the barrier against further chemical exposure while you move to safety equipment. The next essential step is to get to the eyewash station and begin flushing the eyes and face to dilute and rinse away the chemical. Do this for at least 15 minutes, with your eyelids held open to ensure thorough rinsing. After you’ve started rinsing, alert the TA and seek medical evaluation if irritation or symptoms persist. Being quick to protect the eyes and initiate flushing is more important than any delay in removing PPE or waiting for someone to guide you—the goggles help prevent additional exposure, and the eyewash is where the cleanup begins.