How to Be Safe During Chemical Accidents

"It is a challenge to come up with statistics and even define a chemical accident," says the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's Daniel Horowitz. Worldwide, between 2002 and 2003 nearly 13,000 people had to leave their homes because of chemical accidents nearby, and about 700 died. Knowing how to respond during a chemical accident could mean the difference between life and death.

Things You'll Need

• Eye wash
• Safety shower
• Fire extinguisher
• Spill kit
• Fire alarm pull station

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Instructions

Spill

• 1

  Know how to clean up spilled chemicals, especially those that are flammable. Some chemicals can cause flames to spread rapidly.

• 2

  Wipe up any spilled chemicals if you have the appropriate tools. Do not attempt to clean any chemical without wearing proper precautionary attire.

• 3

  Contain the spill in a controlled area if immediate clean-up is not possible. If the chemical spreads, it could generate more health risks.

• 4

  Contact a superior immediately, if possible, to make a timely decision about calling in emergency services.

Fire

• 5

  Extinguish fire immediately. In the event of a fire, prompt action may save the building and your life.

• 6

  Pull a fire alarm.

• 7

  Contact 9-1-1 immediately if you are unable to extinguish the fire quickly.

Contact With Chemicals

• 8

  Flush affected area with water for 15 minutes using eye wash or safety shower, depending on whether your eyes or skin came into chemical contact. Consult a physician immediately.

• 9

  Control bleeding and wash with soap and water if you get injected with a chemical. Consult 9-1-1 immediately.

• 10

  Sound an alarm if a toxic gas gets into the air. Get to fresh air as fast as possible and contact emergency help.