Chemical burns
Chemical burns can be very damaging and severe burns need immediate medical attention.
The burns can be caused by chemicals in the workplace or from common household products such as bleach, detergents, battery acid, wet cement and pesticides.
Signs/symptoms could include:
- Intense pain
- Blistering or scabbing of the skin
- Peeling and discolouration of the skin
- Swelling of the affected area
There may be evidence of the chemical nearby.
If your casualty is suffering a chemical burn you should:
Call 999/112 immediately passing on any information known about the chemical.
- Make sure the area is safe before approaching the casualty. If you are inside, ventilate the area to disperse any fumes
- Wear protective gloves to prevent contact with the chemical
- If the chemical is dry, brush it off the skin
- Start rinsing the affected area as soon as possible with clean cool water for at least 20 minutes making sure the water can run off the affected area without pooling on the skin away from both yourself and the casualty and treat the face and eyes as a priority
- Try to carefully remove any contaminated clothing or jewellery from contact with the skin and eyes. Cut clothing rather than pull over the head, and take care not to touch or spread the chemical
- Do not wipe the skin as this may spread contamination
- Monitor the casualty throughout until emergency services arrive or arrange for the casualty to be taken to hospital
Any personal protective equipment used, such as gloves, should be carefully disposed of following contact with chemicals.
