Industrial poisons
Many chemicals contain corrosive agents and can be in the form of liquids, gases and vapours, and solids.
Employers are legally required to control materials in work environments that can harm workers or visitors and to provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
When dealing with any incident involving corrosive chemicals and gases you must always protect yourself accordingly and not put yourself in danger.
If you think someone has inhaled poisonous fumes you should remove them from the source into the fresh air if possible.
When dealing with corrosive chemicals and gases there may be other injuries such as burns to be treated.
Possible signs/symptoms
- A burning sensation in the airway and on skin
- Breathing difficulties
- Burns around the body
- Coughing and sneezing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache and disorientation
- Unresponsiveness
Additional factors to consider when treating this type of poisoning:
- Remove the source from the casualty which may involve brushing off any powders, rinsing off any liquids and moving the casualty to a ventilated area in the case of gases or vapours
- Accessing any information relating to the chemical, such as a data sheet, and having this available for the emergency services