![]() If someone within your working environment suffers skin contact with any chemical, the first and immediate action to take is to rinse the affected area under cool running water continuously for 15 minutes. Whatever the acid or alkaline strength of the substance, limiting the time between contact and treatment is paramount in reducing the severity of the injury overall. These injuries usually leave permanent and irreversible damage, are more likely the result of a high-acid substance or a delay to first aid after chemical contact and may need more intensive treatment, such as skin grafting and cosmetic or functional reconstruction. Third-degree (full thickness) burns are the most severe, as several layers of the skin are damaged, as well as potential damage to the tissue and even the nerves underneath.In these cases, the affected area will likely see some swelling or blistering, potential scarring and will be painful to the touch for a longer period. Second-degree (partial thickness) burns are those which extend into the second layer of the skin.If a chemical burn is dealt with quickly or the chemical in question was near-neutral, you may be able to limit the severity of the injury to that of a first-degree burn. The affected area will likely be red and there may be pain or soreness, but there is usually no long-term damage. First-degree (superficial) burns are those which only damage the outer layer of the skin.The potential effects of alkaline and acidic compounds on skin are very varied but are increasingly severe depending on how close the chemical in question is to either end of the pH scale.Ĭhemical burns are classed using the same system as other burns – first-degree, second-degree and third-degree burns. The potential effects of a chemical spill or splash on skin largely depends on two very important factors: the properties of the chemical and the length of time between chemical contact and first aid.Īll chemical compounds have a place on the pH scale, with acids placed between 1 and 6 on the scale, neutral compounds at a 7, and alkaline compounds at the higher end of the scale between 8 and 14. With this in mind, what should you do if a chemical spills on your skin, what are the potential long-term effects of a chemical burn on skin and how can you prevent such injuries from occurring within your work environment in the first place? Effects of chemical spills on skin Taking immediate and effective action is the best way to limit long-term side-effects, so having the correct equipment in place for treatment and ensuring that everyone in the workspace knows exactly how to use it is paramount. When skin contact from any chemical spill or splash occurs, every second counts. In any setting where chemicals are used, there is always the potential for injury or harm – especially if those working within this environment aren’t well versed in the best ways to prevent and treat chemical-related injuries.
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