In case of splashes of acids, alkalis or other chemicals on the body, immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse with copious amounts of running water; for eyes, gently pull the eyelids apart and rinse thoroughly before leaving the scene.

21. In case of splashes of acids, alkalis or other chemicals on the body, immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse with copious amounts of running water; for eyes, gently pull the eyelids apart and rinse thoroughly before leaving the scene.

Cost: No cost involved. On your first day at work, locate the eyewash stations and safety showers so you won’t have to search for them in an emergency.

In plain terms: Follow three simple steps. First, strip off any clothing, shoes and socks that have been exposed — the areas covered by fabric sustain the worst injuries. Second, rinse both skin and eyes with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes; the Hunan Provincial Emergency Management Department recommends 20–30 minutes, so err on the side of caution. Third, pull the eyelids apart to rinse the eyes thoroughly, then head straight to an ophthalmologist. Use lukewarm water, never hot.

Benefit: These three on‑site actions are vital. First, promptly removing contaminated clothing prevents further absorption of toxins through the skin; areas shielded by fabric are especially vulnerable. Second, copious flushing with water meets the minimum recommendations from the Chinese CDC — at least 15 minutes for skin and eyes — while the Hunan guidelines suggest 20–30 minutes for severe chemical burns, so the longer duration should be followed. Third, gently separating the eyelids ensures water reaches the entire eye surface; rubbing the eyes must be avoided, and immediate medical care is essential. Lukewarm water is ideal; hot water should never be used. Avoid applying ointments, antiseptic solutions or any substances to fresh wounds, and do not cover them with dirty cloth — such actions can obscure the extent of injury and hinder diagnosis. Legally, both chemical skin burns and chemical eye injuries are recognized as occupational diseases; workplace incidents are treated as work‑related injuries. In any acute chemical exposure emergency, employers must promptly provide medical treatment, health monitoring and medical observation at their own expense.

Evidence grade: B

Sources: China CDC Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control (2025). Summer vacation safety tips: Be wary of strong acid and alkali cleaners. <https://niohp.chinacdc.cn/kpdw/202507/t20250722_308659.htm>; Hunan Provincial Department of Emergency Management (2015). Emergency handling and treatment of common chemical poisoning accidents. <http://yjt.hunan.gov.cn/yjt/tszt/aqzs/201509/t20150919_3113778.html>; National Health Commission of China (NHC) and four other departments (2024). Classification and catalog of occupational diseases (implemented from August 1, 2025). <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202412/content_6992843.htm>; Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (2018). Law on the Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases (Article 37). <https://www.beijing.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengcefagui/qtwj/201711/t20171104_779851.html> (Reprinted by Beijing Municipal People’s Government)

Notes: This item is graded B because no single national standard specifies the exact flushing duration; one official source cites 15 minutes while another recommends 20–30 minutes. When seeking medical care, bring the chemical’s name, packaging or its Safety Data Sheet so doctors can tailor treatment. Never attempt to neutralize a chemical by mixing it with another acid or base — such reactions release heat and are impossible to control. The “neutralizing solution” mentioned in the Hunan document refers to pre‑prepared rinse fluids kept on site, not improvised mixtures. Dry powders such as lime or cement should be brushed off before rinsing; some emergency guides suggest drying concentrated sulfuric acid first, but this practice is not uniformly endorsed and is not covered here. For household cleaners and accidental ingestion, refer to Item 20. Pre‑employment protective measures and health checks are detailed in Item 19, sections 10 and 11 — employers must provide hazard information and appropriate PPE before workers start their duties.