DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

We had a similar situation.  Neutralizing was not considered treating by the
Health Center.  In our case, it was an acid burn that we neutralized with
bicarb.

On 4/12/07 2:52 PM, "Edward Senkbeil"  wrote:

> Recently we had an accident in the general chemistry lad where a student
> spilled some 4.0M NaoH on her wrist.
> The protocol we have followed in the past is to wash with water for 15
> minutes and then send to the University Health Center.  We. normally
> follow the protocol to "Protect, but not treat".  The skin was slightly
> red due to the spill.
> 
> When the student reached (was escorted to) the Health Center, they said
> they could not treat chemical burns.
> They wanted to send her to the hospital emergency room, but the student
> didn't go because of lack of insurance.
> 
> Three days after the accident, the student's wrist still has a few pink
> spots.
> 
> The questions are:
> 
> 1. Should we (lab instructors) treat by neutralizing the base with
> something llike vinega, rather than just washing?
> 
> 2. Who should be responsible (or maybe liable) for appropriate
> treatment?  Howd do university health centers handle someting like this
> incident at other universities?
> 
> Thanks for any information,
> Ed Senkbeil
> Chemistry Department
> Salisbury University