Short Essay. If any member of your group is caught without goggles each student will write a short essay titled “Why I Think I Can Never Get Hurt” or “Why I Think I Don’t Have to Wear Goggles” to make up for the zero they will receive on their lab/lab report for not wearing goggles. First Aid in the Chemistry Laboratory Accidents do not often happen in well-equipped chemistry laboratories if students understand safe laboratory procedures and are careful to follow them. When an occasional accident does occur, it is likely to be a minor one. In many schools, the nurse is responsible for treating injuries. For some types of injuries, though, you must take action immediately, before the nurse takes over. Find out what your school’s emergency procedures are and make sure that they are posted in the laboratory. Always notify your teacher if there is an injury in the classroom, no matter how minor it may seem. Bleeding from a Cut Most cuts that occur in the chemistry laboratory are minor. For minor cuts, apply pressure to the wound with a clean, absorbent cloth. If blood begins to soak through, add more layers of cloth. If possible, keep a sheet of plastic over the topmost layer or wear latex or plastic gloves. Take victim to the nurse. If the victim is bleeding badly, raise the bleeding part, if possible, and apply pressure to the wound with a clean absorbent cloth. While first aid is being given, send someone to notify the school nurse. Acid or Base Spilled on the Skin Remove all clothing that has the chemical on it and flush the skin with water for at least 15 minutes. Take the victim to the school nurse. Chemicals in the Mouth Many chemicals are poisonous to varying degrees. Any chemical taken into the mouth should be spat out and the mouth rinsed thoroughly with water. Tell the victim NOT to swallow the water. Note the name of the chemical and notify the nurse immediately. If the victim swallows a chemical, note the name of the chemical and notify the nurse immediately. DO NOT give the victim anything to drink. If necessary, the nurse will contact the Poison Control Center, a hospital emergency room, or physicians for instructions. Chemicals in the Eyes Getting any kind of chemical in the eyes is undesirable, but certain chemicals are especially harmful. They can destroy eyesight in a matter of seconds. Because you will be wearing safety goggles at all times during investigations, the likelihood of this kind of accident is remote. However, if it does happen, begin flushi...
