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Chemical burns are usually caused by skin coming in contact with
a chemical substance. Here are some general guidelines to keep you
and your family safe.
- Keep all caustic chemicals clearly labelled
- Do not transfer chemicals out of their original containers into
other home-use containers. Chemicals can 'eat' through a containers
not made of the proper materials
- Keep caustic chemicals on high shelves, out of the reach of
children
- Teach children what the symbols mean on dangerous chemical containers
- Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling caustic chemicals
First Aid Treatment for Powder Chemical Burns
- Be careful to protect yourself from a chemical burn while helping
the victim by wearing gloves
- Brush as much powder off the victim as possible. Flush remaining
chemicals away with low-pressure, running water for half-an-hour
to one hour
- If chemicals have come in contact with the victim's eyes, flush
with running water while holding the eyelids open
- Once the chemical has been removed, cover the affected area
with clean linen. Remove any jewellery or clothing covering the
skin contacted by the chemical
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
First Aid Treatment for Liquid Chemical Burns
- Flush the affected area under running water to stop the burning
and continue to flush for approximately one hour
- Remove any clothing that may have been splashed with the chemical
and cover the burned area with clean linen
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
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