Work Related Injuries
First Aid Guidelines
     Thermal Burns
     Chemical Burns
     Cuts
     Poisoning


Work Related Injuries / Workers' Compensation Insurance

In the event of a work related injury or illness, Texas A&M University has Workers'
Compensation insurance coverage to protect you.  Please notify the Biology Department
Health and Safety Technician within 24 hours of the injury or illness in 225H BSBW.  We will 
need to complete a Workers' Compensation First Report of Injury.  For more information
see this Notice To Employees.  If you seek medical attention, notify medical personnel 
that you have a work-related injury.

First Aid Guidelines

Lab emergencies may include thermal and corrosive burns, vapor inhalation, cuts, and 
poisoning.  A prepared employee should know first aid guidelines and the location of 
first aid kits in your work area.

Additional first aid supplies may be obtained in room 225H BSBW.

Emergency Phone Numbers:
Emergency Medical Help 9-911
Poison Control Center (1-800-764-7661 , 1-800-POISON1)


Thermal Burns

If someone's clothing ignites, make the victim STOP, DROP, AND ROLL!  Cover the 
flames with a jacket or fire blanket and "pat" or "roll" the person to smother the fire. 

Caution
Do not clean burns or break blisters.  Do not remove any clothing that is adhered to skin.  
Do not apply grease, ointment, or medication to a severe burn.  Do not use cotton or 
material with loose fibers to cover burns.

Treatment:
First degree burns - redness or discoloration of skin, mild swelling and pain.
1. Apply cool, wet cloths or immerse in water.  Do not use ice.
2. Blot gently; apply a dry sterile pad if necessary.
3. Minor burns may be treated in the lab, however if severe symptoms persist, get medical 
    attention.

Second degree burns - deep burn, redness of skin, blisters, considerable pain and swelling, 
skin surface appears wet.
1. See treatment for first degree burns.
2. May require medical treatment depending on severity and location.
3. Be alert for signs of shock and infection.

Third degree burns - deep tissue destruction with a white or charred appearance.
1. Call 9-911 for professional medical help immediately.
2. Be alert for signs of shock.
3. See treatment for first degree burns. 

 	
Chemical Burns
			
Treatment
1. Remove contaminated clothing.
2. Flush burned area of skin with cool water for at least 5 minutes.  Chemical burns may 
    cause severe burns to the skin, so immediately rinsing the skin is important.
3. Treat as you would major or minor burn.
4. If eye has been burned:
    A. Immediately flood face, inside of eyelid and eye with cool running water for at least 
        15 minutes.  Turn head so water does not drain into uninjured eye.  Hold eyelid open to 
         completely rinse the eyes.
    B. If eye has burned by a dry chemical, lift any loose particles of the eye with corner of a 
        sterile pad or clean cloth.
    C. Cover both eyes with dry sterile pads, clean cloths, or eye pads.
5. Consult professional medical help.

It is important to treat a chemical burn immediately.  Prepare for a chemical contact 
emergency by locating and knowing how to operate emergency eyewash units and 
showers.  In most cases an eyewash unit or sink will provide adequate flushing of affected 
areas.


Cuts

Before initiating any first aid to control bleeding, be sure to wear disposable gloves to avoid 
contact of the victim's blood with your skin.  For minor cuts, provide first aid kit materials and 
let the person provide self-care.  Otherwise:
			
Treatment
1. Remove glass or debris.  Wash the cut with soap and water.  Apply antiseptic, cover with 
    a sterile bandage and get medical aid.
2. Control severe bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound with a sterile pad or 
    clean cloth.  Elevate injury.
3. If bleeding is controlled by direct pressure, bandage firmly to protect wound.  Check to be 
    sure that bandage is not too tight.
4. If bleeding is not controlled by use of direct pressure, apply a tourniquet only as a last 
    resort.
5. Call 9-911 for medical help immediately.
6. Wash all skin surfaces that contact blood or body fluids with soap and water.
7. Place disposable items that have contacted blood or body fluids in a biohazard bag and 
    label it as infectious waste for proper disposal.  Wash surfaces and materials that contact 
    blood with a 10% bleach solution.


Poisoning

Call (9-911) or Poison Control Center (1-800-764-7661 1-800-POISON1) immediately, 
before administering first aid. 

Treatment
1. DO NOT give any other first aid if victim is unconscious or is having convulsions.  Move 
    the victim to fresh air and begin rescue breathing techniques or CPR if necessary.  If victim 
    is convulsing, protect from further injury; loosen tight clothing if possible.
2. If professional help cannot be reached immediately:
    A. DO NOT induce vomiting is poison is unknown, or is a corrosive substance (i.e. acid, 
         bleach, etc.) or a petroleum product.
    B. Induce vomiting only if poison is known and is not a corrosive substance or petroleum 
        product.  To induce vomiting: Give one ounce of syrup of ipecac followed by four or five 
        glasses of water.  If poison is known, refer to MSDS or chemical label to determine if 
        vomiting should be induced.
3. Take poison container or MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) with victim to the hospital.

Ingestion 
Get medical aid immediately if toxic, corrosive, or petroleum products are ingested.  
Follow treatment procedures.

Skin Contact
Toxins are rapidly spread by the circulatory and lymphatic systems once they enter via hair 
follicles, sweat glands, or open wounds. Flush exposed areas with large amounts of water 
for at least 15 minutes.  Wear protective disposable gloves when working with hazardous 
chemicals.

Inhalation
Inhaled toxins are rapidly absorbed by the bloodstream.  The chemical absorption rate 
increases with respiration rate.  Some poisons give sensory warning (pain or odor) that 
allow immediate action to be taken.  However, significant damage may occur before the
danger is detected and since olfactory fatigue may prevent detection, sensory warning 
should NOT be used as the primary defense for inhalation hazards.

1. Move the victim to fresh air and provide respiratory aid if needed.  Get medical help.  
2. Ventilate the room.

Injection
Accidental injection can occur when trying to recap a hypodermic needle.  Do not recap 
needles.