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Accidental Exposure to Organophosphates

 

Small exposures ie splash/spots onto skin/eyes – request First Aid Assistance/advice

  • Brush away solid particles

  • Remove contaminated clothing, double bag, put into sealed container labelled and disposed of following Chemical Waste procedure

  • Wash contaminated skin with copious amounts of soap and water

  • Irrigate eyes for at least 15mins using Bottled Eye Wash or clean running water.

Contact NHS-111Link opens in a new window confirming type of substance and level of contamination to determine whether further emergency treatment is required. Tel: 111

Large Exposures- Dial (024765)22222 (222 at Warwick HRI) for urgent medical and First Aid assistance

Rescuer must wear disposable coveralls and Neoprene or Nitrile gloves to prevent personal contamination. If the contaminant is a powder, suitable disposable respiratory protection should also be worn.

  • Remove casualty from source of exposure

  • Remove any contaminated clothing and personal effects from the casualty. Double bag contaminated clothing and place in a sealed container clearly labelled and disposed of following Chemical Waste procedure

  • Help casualty to wash contaminated skin with copious amounts of soap and water, use a shower if available

  • If eyes affected irrigate for at least 15mins using Bottled Eye Wash or clean running water

  • Lay casualty down, keep at rest, cover with one blanket or coat etc, avoid overheating

  • If breathing is affected, maintain a clear airway and adequate ventilation, place the casualty in the recovery position

  • If breathing ceases place casualty on their back and commence mouth to mouth resuscitation. Use a mouth guard resuscitation device

  • If there is no pulse, place the casualty on their back and commence chest compressions

  • If casualty has ingested chemical DO NOT give anything by mouth or induce vomiting

All persons exposed to large amounts of organophosphates should attend Accident & Emergency for health assessment. A copy of the safety data sheet of the chemical the person has been exposed to must be sent with the person.

The rescuer can remove their protective clothing once the person has been decontaminated. NOTE protective clothing should be removed in the following order to prevent the rescuer being contaminated.

  • Brush down Coveralls and remove, place in bag for disposal

  • Wash gloves then remove respiratory protection, place in bag for disposal

  • Wash gloves again before removing and place in bag for disposal

  • Using clean gloves, Double bag all items and dispose of following Chemical Waste procedure.

Report ALL incidents to the Health and Safety Department as soon as possible at http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/healthsafetywellbeing/incidents/

Further information on hazards presented by organophosphates can be found in the Manufacturer’s safety data sheets.