Chemical accidents happen fast. One spill, one splash, and someone could be in real trouble. In those first few minutes, what you do matters. Waiting for help isn’t enough. Quick, calm action can make a difference. This guide breaks it down. Step by step. No fluff. Just what needs doing, right now.
Before rushing in, stop. Look around. Is it safe to go near?
There might be strong fumes. There might be fire risks. Don’t risk becoming the second casualty. If the air stings your nose or eyes, or if someone’s collapsed, don’t charge in. Step back. Open windows if you can.
Then, call 999. Say what happened. Mention chemicals if known. The more detail, the better. Location, number of people hurt, and if anyone’s unconscious. Give them something to work with.
Helping’s no good if you end up hurt too. Get gloves if you see any. Goggles? Mask? Put them on. Don’t touch the chemical. Don’t touch the person unless you’re sure you’re safe.
If no PPE’s nearby, use a thick cloth or coat as a barrier. No bare skin should touch spills or soaked clothing.
Only if it’s safe. Only if you’re protected. Pull the person away from the spill. Get them into fresh air. Shut doors behind you if there’s a leak. Limit the exposure. One minute too long near a strong chemical can make things worse.
Time matters now. Follow this list. Fast.
Look for bottles, labels, SDS sheets. Ask others what happened. Spotting the name can help the paramedics later. Some common hazards are taught in online COSHH training, which helps people recognise risks and act early.
Carefully cut it off. Don’t pull it over the head. You’ll only spread the chemical. Drop the clothes in a plastic bag. Tie it. Keep it far from everyone.
Use lots of water. Cool, clean running water. Not just a quick splash. Keep rinsing for at least 20 minutes. Garden hose. Shower. Anything that flows.
No baking soda. No vinegar. No creams. Just water. Lots of it. Adding the wrong thing can cause a worse reaction.
Open the eyelids wide. Let the water run in. Rinse for 10–15 minutes. Blink lots. Remove contact lenses only if they come out easily.
If the chemical was swallowed, don’t give food. Don’t make them sick. Just wait. Try to find the label or container. Get that info to the medics.
When help arrives, tell them everything. Chemical name. What time it happened. How long the person was exposed. What steps you took. The more you share, the quicker they act.
Different chemicals hurt in different ways. Burns, choking, blurry vision. Each one needs a proper response. Here's what to do based on how the chemical got in.
This is the most common type. Quick action can limit damage.
If blisters form or skin starts peeling, that’s serious. Stay calm. Don’t pop anything. Just wait for the medics.
Eyes are fragile. One mistake can mean lasting damage.
If vision gets blurry or eyes swell up, mention it when paramedics arrive.
If someone’s breathing in fumes, act quick.
If they stop breathing or pass out, you need help fast. First aid basics can help.
Swallowing chemicals is serious. Don’t take chances.
If the person starts shaking, foaming at the mouth, or becomes unresponsive, that’s critical. Stay close. Tell the emergency crew everything.
First aid isn’t forever. There’s a point when you stop.
Knowing when to stop is just as key as knowing when to start. First aid courses can teach people to identify when to stop.
Once the casualty’s safe, deal with the mess.
If you’re at work, this might mean filling in a RIDDOR report. Every workplace should have a clear process.
Chemical accidents are scary. Fast thinking and simple steps make them less deadly. No need to panic. Just act.
Every second counts. Rinse, move, protect, report. Use what you know. Training helps. Confidence grows when you know what to do.
Most people freeze. But not you. Not after reading this. The next time something spills, someone coughs, or eyes go red, you’ll have a plan.
And that plan could save a life.
