Chemical Burns and Eye Wash/Safety Showers

When dealing with chemicals it is important to have access to an eyewash and safety shower if the risk of exposure is likely.  However, for fieldwork, remote work locations, work in non-laboratory situations (around drains, on roofs etc) and some other areas, it may not be possible to have a plumbed eyewash and a safety shower within appropriate reach.

We would like to draw your attention to a new product that may be suitable for these locations - Diphoterine, produced by the Prevor Company - makes a number of claims in regards to treatment of chemical exposures.  It claims to:

• be more effective than water
• be effective for a wide range of chemicals
• decrease requirements for ongoing lost-time and medical care.

Single use personal eye-wash vials and pressurised spray cans (for skin) are available for carrying on an individual, or larger eye-wash packs are available for first aid kits or particularly hazardous locations.

Some examples of the situations where we see this product may be useful include:

• plumbers, or other mobile personnel who may be exposed to chemicals without a ready source of clean water nearby
• fieldwork first aid kits
• remote work locations

Another product - Hexafluorine - is also available to treat burns from Hydrofluoric acid and other acidic fluorides.

For additional information please contact the OHS Branch or AMARE Safety. Please consider these products where there is limited water and the risk of a chemical skin splash or eye injury is possible.

Categories: OH&S, Risk Management Home Page