Hazards

Combating Hazards

Typical of such occurrences are the spilling, splashing or spraying of acids, caustics, or other dangerous or corrosive agents.
Other common hazards are fire and explosion. Where flammable liquids are present there is a hazard of clothing becoming ignited, only prompt extinguishing of the flames by an Emergency Shower prevents major injury or death. Splashes of molten metals may also cause ignition of clothing.
Splashing and spraying of hot liquids, and worker exposure to toxic or corrosive dust particles are other situations that may require quick drenching from Emergency Safety Showers and/or Eye/Facewash Fountains to avoid serious injuries.

MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE HEALTH & SAFETY (FIRST-AID) REGULATIONS IN LINE WITH THE HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSION (HSC) APPROVED CODE OF PRACTICE.

The Health & Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 clarifies the duty of employers to make provision for first-aid:

3.-(1) "An employer shall provide, or ensure that there are provided, such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first-aid to be rendered to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work."

FIRST-AID AT WORK
Health and Safety Commission (HSC)
Approved Code of Practice and Guidance

Chemical Burns

Remove any contaminated clothing which is not stuck to the skin. Flush with plenty of clean, cool water for 10-15 minutes. Apply a sterilised dressing to exposed, damaged skin and send casualty to hospital.

Eyes

Loose foreign bodies in the eye:
Wash out eye with clean, cool water.

Chemical in the eye:
Wash out the open eye continuously with clean, cool water for 10-15 minutes.

People with eye injuries should be sent to hospital with eye covered with an eye pad.

You can obtain further information on these regulations by requesting a copy of our Definitive Guide.

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