Which sequence correctly describes the steps to take if chemicals contact your face?

Which sequence correctly describes the steps to take if chemicals contact your face?

• A. Notify the TA; The TA will take you to the eyewash station and rinse your eyes for 15 minutes with your goggles on; The TA will have you take the goggles off and rinse your eyes for 15 more minutes.
• B. Pull goggles off immediately and rinse your eyes for 10 minutes.
• C. Notify the TA after you finish rinsing your eyes.
• D. Rinse eyes for 30 minutes while removing goggles immediately.

Answer: (D)

Immediate and thorough rinsing is what this situation requires. If a chemical contacts your face, you should start flushing right away at the eyewash or facial wash station and continue for a long enough time to dilute and remove the chemical from all affected areas. Removing the goggles promptly can help water reach around the protective gear so nothing remains trapped under it, and extended rinsing (about 30 minutes) helps ensure you’ve flushed away the chemical completely and have time to assess whether further medical attention is needed. The emphasis is on not delaying flushing and on flushing long enough to remove the contaminant, rather than stopping early or delaying until someone else directs you.

Immediate and thorough rinsing is what this situation requires. If a chemical contacts your face, you should start flushing right away at the eyewash or facial wash station and continue for a long enough time to dilute and remove the chemical from all affected areas. Removing the goggles promptly can help water reach around the protective gear so nothing remains trapped under it, and extended rinsing (about 30 minutes) helps ensure you’ve flushed away the chemical completely and have time to assess whether further medical attention is needed. The emphasis is on not delaying flushing and on flushing long enough to remove the contaminant, rather than stopping early or delaying until someone else directs you.