General Information

Do what is necessary to protect life. Remain calm. Quickly remove all contaminated clothing while using the safety shower or other available source of water. Immediately flood the affected body area in cold water for at least 15 minutes. Wash off chemical with water but do not use neutralizing chemicals, unguents, creams, lotions, or salves.

Do not move an injured person unless they are in further danger. Make certain that you know the names of the chemicals involved in the incident.

If the person is seriously injured or unable to move on their own call Penn Police and request an ambulance.

511 (University of Pennsylvania phone only)
215.573.3333 (any phone)

Chemical Exposures

Immediately flush with cold water. If there is no visible burn, scrub area with warm water and soap. Remove all jewelry to facilitate removal of any residual material.

All chemical exposures must be treated by a health care provider. The location where treatment is provided will depend on your status as a student, staff or faculty member.

Full time staff members and faculty should report to Occupational Medicine, located at Admissions on the first floor Silverstein Pavilion. Hours of operation are 8:30-3:30. When Occupation Medicine is closed report to Emergency Room at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania.

Students with student health insurance should report to Student Health Services located at 3535 Market Street. Hours of operation vary during the year. When Student Health Services is closed report to Emergency Room at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania.

Visiting Scholars, post docs who do not have student insurance coverage and non Penn affiliates should report to the Emergency Room at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania.

All exposures to hydrofluoric acid (HF) acid must be treated. Hydrofluoric acid exposures require special treatment. An HF spill kit must be available in all labs where HF is handled.

Irrigate with plenty of cool water for at least 15 minutes. Simultaneously, check for and remove contact lenses.

Get medical attention promptly.

Extinguish burning clothing by dousing with cold water or use emergency shower or the drop-and-roll technique. Remove contaminated clothing. If possible, send clothing with the victim. Wrap injured person to prevent shock.

Anyone overcome with smoke or chemical fumes should be removed to uncontaminated air and treated for shock. If certified, follow standard CPR protocols. Get medical attention promptly.

Do not enter the area if a life threatening condition still exists, such as the presence of:

• oxygen depletion
• explosive vapors
• cyanide gas, hydrogen sulfide
• nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide

Get medical attention promptly.

Identify the chemical ingested and Call University Police 215-573-3333 or 511.

Provide the ambulance crew and physician the chemical name and any other relevant information.