What should be done if a chemical splashes in your eyes?

If a chemical splashes in your eyes, the immediate and appropriate response is to flush the eyes with water using an eye wash station for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. This procedure is crucial because many chemicals can cause severe damage to the eyes, and immediate action is essential to reduce the risk of long-term injury or even blindness.

Flushing the eyes with a steady stream of water helps to dilute and remove the chemical, thus minimizing its effects on the sensitive eye tissue. The recommendation for a duration of at least 15 minutes is based on the need to ensure thorough rinsing and to provide enough time for the water to wash out any remaining contaminants. Additionally, seeking medical attention is necessary because some substances may cause internal injury that may not be immediately evident but can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

The other options, while they may seem somewhat beneficial, do not provide the best practices for eye safety in a laboratory environment. For instance, rinsing with saline or waiting for irritation to subside does not guarantee adequate cleansing of harmful substances from the eyes and could allow for further damage. Immediate and copious flushing with water is always the priority in cases of eye exposure to chemicals.