Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 26

An employee who accidentally spills acid on his arm should immediately:

A. Neutralize the acid with a base

B. Hold the arm under running water for 15 minutes

C. Consult the MSDSs

D. Wrap the arm in gauze and go to the emergency department

Step 1 of 2

Acids:

Acids are chemical substances which are sour in taste; they have low pH(less than 7). Low pH means, they have high acidity.

• Strong acid are very harmful to touch and taste.

• During handling of chemicals, if an employee spills acid accidentally, the first aid should be washing the area with water for fifteen minutes.

• No other chemicals or neutralizers should be used.

Therefore, the employee should “hold the arm under running water for fifteen minutes” immediately when accidentally acid spills on his arm. Hence, the correct option is “B”.