Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

punctures, cuts, or abrasions to the skin. When this occurs, chemicals can be injected directly
into the bloodstream and cause damage to tissue and organs. Symptoms from chemical exposure
may occur immediately from direct injection into the bloodstream.
Laboratory workers can protect themselves from an injection hazard by wearing proper PPE such
as safety glasses/goggles, face shields, and gloves. Inspect all glassware for chips and cracks
before use, and immediately discard any glassware or plasticware that is damaged. To help
protect coworkers, all broken glass should be disposed of in a puncture resistant container
labeled as “Broken Glass.” This can be a commercially purchased “broken glass” container or
simply a cardboard box or other puncture resistant container labeled as “Broken Glass.
Whenever cleaning up broken glass or other sharp items, always use a broom, scoop or dustpan,
or devices such as pliers, before using your hands to pick up broken pieces. If you have to use
your hands, it is best to wear leather gloves when handling broken glass. For other items that can
cause cuts or puncture wounds, such as needles and razor blades, never leave these items out in
the open where someone could accidently come into contact with them. A piece of Styrofoam or
similar device can be used to secure them for later use. For disposal, use an appropriate “sharps”
container.
If you do receive a cut or injection from a chemically contaminated item, take the following
steps:
1. Gently try to remove the object;
2. Immediately rinse under water to flush the wound and remove any chemical
contamination;
3. Administer first aid;
4. Seek medical attention if necessary; and
5. Complete an Injury/Illness Report.
5.6 Eye and Skin Absorption
Some chemicals can be absorbed by the eyes and skin, resulting in a chemical exposure. Most
situations of this type of exposure result from a chemical spill or splash to unprotected eyes or
skin. Once absorbed by these organs, the chemical can quickly find its way into the bloodstream
and cause damage beyond immediate effects that can occur to the eyes and the skin.
Symptoms of eye exposure can include itchy or burning sensations, blurred vision, discomfort,
and blindness. The best way to protect yourself from chemical splashes to the eyes is to always
wear safety glasses in the laboratory whenever eye hazards exist (chemicals, glassware,
LASERs, etc.). If you are pouring chemicals, then splash goggles are more appropriate than
safety glasses. Whenever a severe splash hazard may exist, the use of a face shield, in
combination with splash goggles is the best choice for eye protection. Please note, a face shield
by itself does not provide adequate eye protection.
If you do get chemicals in your eyes, immediately go to an eyewash station and flush your eyes
for at least 15 minutes. The importance of flushing for at least 15 minutes cannot be overstated!
Once the eyewash has been activated, use your fingers to hold your eyelids open and roll your
eyeballs in the stream of water so the entire eye can be flushed. After flushing for at least 15
minutes, seek medical attention immediately and complete an Injury/Illness Report.
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