Laboratory first AID

LABORATORY FIRST AID KIT

The laboratory first aid kit should contain, Cotton wool and gauze, spirit, roller bandage, medicinal adhesive tape, a pair of scissors, tincture iodine (1 g iodine in 95% alcohol), a disinfectant solution (diluted dettol), sterile saline, 2% (w/v) sodium carbonate, 5% (v/v) acetic acid, 8% (w/v) magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesium), 5% (w/v) soap solution.

THE FIRST AID 

The first aid measures given below must be applied with common sense.

  1. Contact with corrosive chemicals and reagents.

     A. Acid splashes on the skin:-

  • Wash the affected skin with plenty of tap water. Bathe the affected skin with cotton wool soaked in 5% solution of sodium carbonate.
  • Rinse the affected skin in mild detergent and then contact a physician.

     B. Alkali splashes on the skin:-

  • Wash the affected skin with plenty of tap water.
  • Bathe the affected skin with cotton wool soaked in 5% acetic acid.
  • Seek medical help.

     C. Contact with phenol :-

  • Wash the affected skin with large volumes of tap water.
  • Use polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixed with water for further irrigation of affected skin.
  • Consult a physician.

  2. Eye accidents

Burns of the eye by alkali or acid are among the most urgent ocular emergencies. Alkali burns are more disastrous than those of acid burns.

a. Acid or Alkali splashes in the eyes ;-

  • Immediately wash the eyes with plenty of tap water by holding apart the eyelids manually.
  • Rinse the eyes in sterile saline.
  • Consult an ophthalmologist immediately.


3. Accidental swallowing of poisonous reagent :-

  • Spit it out immediately.
  • Rinse the mouth promptly with tap water and then induce vomiting by drinking warm salt water (one tablespoon of common salt in glassful of warm water).


4 . Accidental swallowing of infectious specimen:-

  • Spit it out immediately.
  • Wash the mouth with dilute antiseptic lotion.
  • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with tap water.


5 . Accidental swallowing of corrosive reagents:-

a. Acids

  • Promptly rinse the mouth with tap water.
  • Antidote such as 5% soap solution, 8% magnesium hydroxide or white of egg mixed with about 500 ml of water, can be used orally to neutralize the acid.
  • Seek medical help immediately. 

b. Alkalies

  • After rinsing the mouth with tap water,
  • anti-dote such as lemon juice or 5% acetic acid can be taken orally to neutralize the alkalies.
  • Seek medical help immediately.


6 . Contact of lip and tongue with corrosive reagents :-

a . Acids

  • immediately rinse with tap water.
  • Bathe the affected part in 2% aqueous sodium carbonate.


b. Alkalies

  • Immediately rinse in tap water.
  • Bathe the affected part in 5% acetic acid.


7.  Injuries caused by broken glass :-

  • Wash the wound immediately with a disinfectant solution (diluted dettol).
  • Cover with gauze and adhesive tape.


8. Bleeding

  • Make the patient to lie down.
  • Try to stop bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound with a sterilized pad and by means of a firm bandage.
  • Clean the affected area by using an antiseptic such as tincture iodine and apply sterile gauze and bandage.


9 . Burns and management :-

 a. Minor burns

  • Immediately bathe the affected area in cold water.
  • Cover the burnt area with sterile dressing as early as possible.
  • Seek medical help.


b. Severe burns

  • If the victim is on fire, put out the fire by using any material such as sheets, towels or coats.
  • Pour cold water on the affected area.
  • Remove smoldering clothes as quickly as possible.
  • Call a physician immediately.

Related Posts