Chemical burns can happen fast in labs, workshops, kitchens, and industrial settings. This guide gives a clear, non-medical overview of what to know and the practical first steps you can take onsite. It’s written for workplaces—not as clinical advice.
What is a chemical burn?
A chemical burn is damage to skin, eyes, or mucous membranes caused by contact with a corrosive or irritating substance. Acids and alkalis are the usual suspects, but oxidizers, descalers, and some solvents can also injure tissue. How serious it gets depends mainly on the substance, how concentrated it is, and how long it stays in contact.
How do chemical burns happen?
Most incidents stem from routine tasks: decanting or mixing, cleaning with strong agents, handling open containers, or working near splashes or aerosols. Other triggers include mislabeled bottles, damaged PPE, and delays in rinsing after a spill. Good labeling, the right gloves and eyewear, and quick access to eyewash stations and emergency showers make the biggest difference.
Chemical burn on the face (treatment)
Keep it simple: remove the substance and rinse promptly. As a first line of defense, use pH Neutral 4.9% phosphate eyewash for known acid/alkali splashes to help buffer pH, then continue rinsing with 0.9% sodium chloride eyewash (or clean, lukewarm water if that’s what you have). Rinse generously and avoid home remedies or creams right away. After initial first aid, seek further evaluation according to your workplace procedures and the product’s safety data sheet (SDS).
Chemical burn in the eyes (treatment)
Speed matters most. Get to an eye wash station immediately and start continuous rinsing. For suspected acid/alkali exposure, begin with pH Neutral 4.9% phosphate eyewash, then continue with 0.9% sodium chloride eyewash for sustained flushing. Hold the eyelids gently open and keep rinsing until the SDS guidance is met or a healthcare professional takes over. If there’s pain, blurred vision, or the substance is highly caustic, escalate to emergency care—keep rinsing en route if advised by your site protocol.
Chemical burn on the skin (treatment)
Remove the chemical and reduce contact time. Brush off dry powders first; then rinse the area with plenty of 0.9% sodium chloride eyewash or water. If the exposure involves acids/bases and it’s practical to do so, you may start with pH Neutral 4.9% phosphate eyewash before continuing with saline or water. Take off contaminated clothing and follow your site’s reporting and referral steps. Covering the area with a simple, non-adherent dressing may be appropriate after rinsing—check your local protocol.
Worksite essentials
- Keep eyewash stations and emergency showers within seconds of the hazard.
- Stock sealed, in-date pH-neutral (4.9% phosphate) and 0.9% sodium chloride eyewash bottles where chemicals are used.
- Train teams to act quickly, know routes to rinse points, and use the SDS for chemical-specific guidance.
- Maintain PPE that matches your chemicals (goggles/face shields, gloves, aprons) and replace it on schedule.
Important note
This is practical, non-medical guidance for workplaces. Always follow your local procedures and the SDS for the specific substance involved. When in doubt: rinse early, rinse generously, and seek appropriate follow-up.
