Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory - libdoc.who.int

98 Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory3.8.2 First aid in laboratory accidentsAccidents in the medical laboratory may have various causes:●●●●Acids or alkalis: splashes on the skin or in the eyes, swallowing.Toxic substances.Heat: naked flames, hot liquids, flammable liquids, explosions.Injuries involving infectious material, electric shocks, etc.First-aid equipment● First-aid box (see below)● Sodium carbonate, 5% solution (reagent no. 52)● Sodium bicarbonate, 2% solution (reagent no. 50) (in an eyedrop bottle)● Boric acid, saturated solution (reagent no. 12) (in an eyedrop bottle)● Acetic acid, 5% solution (reagent no. 1)● Cotton wool and gauze● Mercurochrome and tincture of iodine.The above items should be readily available in the laboratory. They must not bekept in a locked cupboard. The solutions should be kept in plastic bottles.First-aid boxThe first-aid box should contain the following:●●●●●●●●An instruction sheet giving general guidanceIndividually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings in a variety of sizesSterile eye-pads with bandages for attachmentTriangular bandagesSterile dressings for serious woundsA selection of sterile unmedicated dressings for minor woundsSafety-pinsA bottle containing eye drops● A first-aid manual.The contents of the first-aid box should be replenished immediately after use andinspected regularly to ensure that they remain in satisfactory condition.Corrosive injuries from acidsAcids such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid, chromic acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acidand trichloroacetic acid can cause corrosive injuries. It is therefore essential to takeimmediate action in the event of an accident.In all cases: Wash the affected area immediately with large quantities of water.Acid splashes on the skin● Wash the affected area thoroughly and repeatedly with large quantities of water.● Bathe the affected skin with cotton wool soaked in a 5% solution of sodiumcarbonate.