For chemical splashes, remove contaminated clothes and irrigate immediately; hold eyelids open and complete the rinse before leaving
Remove contaminated clothes, shoes and socks, then rinse with abundant running water. Chinese CDC guidance gives at least 15 minutes for skin and eyes; Hunan's emergency authority gives 20–30 minutes for wounds, and the source recommends the longer duration. Hold eyelids open, then seek eye care immediately. Use room-temperature or lukewarm water, not hot water.
What it takes
Free. Locate workplace eyewash and emergency showers on your first day.
What you may gain
Remove contaminated clothing immediately because toxins continue to be absorbed and trapped areas can suffer most. Irrigate copiously: the Chinese CDC institute specifies at least 15 minutes for skin and eyes; Hunan's emergency-management material specifies 20–30 minutes, longer for strong chemicals. The source chooses the longer advice. Hold eyelids open to expose the globe and inner lids, avoid rubbing, and go directly to ophthalmology after irrigation. Use room-temperature or slightly warm water, never hot. Do not put ointment, red antiseptic solution or other substances on a fresh wound or cover it with dirty cloth, because this impairs assessment of depth. Chemical skin and eye burns are listed occupational diseases in China. Following acute occupational-hazard incidents, employers must arrange prompt treatment, health checks and medical observation at their expense.
Context & considerations
Grade B reflects differing official durations, 15 versus 20–30 minutes, without one uniform national number. Bring the chemical name, package or safety data sheet so clinicians can choose treatment. Do not improvise acid–alkali neutralization: it releases heat and is hard to control. Hunan's “neutralizing solution” refers to prepared specialist rinses, not mixing chemicals on the spot. Brush off dry lime/cement before irrigation. Some local pages extrapolate wiping first to concentrated sulfuric acid, but guidance conflicts, so the source does not include that instruction. See household chemicals, workplace hazard information and employer-provided protection.
Research & references
Chinese CDC National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control (2025). Strong-Acid/Alkali Cleaner Safety. https://niohp.chinacdc.cn/kpdw/202507/t20250722_308659.htm; Hunan Emergency Management Department (2015). Emergency Management and Treatment of Common Chemical Poisoning Incidents. http://yjt.hunan.gov.cn/yjt/tszt/aqzs/201509/t20150919_3113778.html; National Health Commission and three other departments (2024). Occupational Disease Classification and Catalog, effective August 1, 2025. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202412/content_6992843.htm; NPC Standing Committee (2018). Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Law, Article 37. https://www.beijing.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengcefagui/qtwj/201711/t20171104_779851.html (Beijing government reprint).