• What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing phosphoric acid?
• What do I do if someone gets phosphoric acid on their skin?
• What do I do if someone gets phosphoric acid in their eyes?
• What do I do if someone swallows phosphoric acid?
• Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?

What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing phosphoric acid?

Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. Obtain medical attention immediately.

What do I do if someone gets phosphoric acid on their skin?

Avoid direct contact with this chemical. Wear chemical resistant protective gloves, if necessary. As quickly as possible, flush contaminated area with lukewarm, gently running water for at least 20-30 minutes, by the clock. If irritation persists, repeat flushing. DO NOT INTERRUPT FLUSHING. If necessary, keep emergency vehicle waiting. Under running water, remove contaminated clothing, shoes, and leather goods (e.g., watchbands, belts). Transport victim to an emergency care facility immediately. Completely decontaminate clothing, shoes and leather goods before re-use or discard.

What do I do if someone gets phosphoric acid in their eyes?

Avoid direct contact with this chemical. Wear impervious protective gloves, if necessary. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 20-30 minutes, by the clock, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Neutral saline solution may be used as soon as it is available. DO NOT INTERRUPT FLUSHING. If necessary, keep emergency vehicle waiting. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the non-affected eye or onto the face. If irritation persists repeat flushing. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility.

What do I do if someone swallows phosphoric acid?

NEVER give anything by mouth if victim is rapidly losing consciousness, or is unconscious or convulsing. Have victim rinse mouth thoroughly with water. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Have victim drink 240 to 300 mL (8 to 10 oz.) of water to dilute material in stomach. If milk is available, it may be administered AFTER the water has been given. If vomiting occurs naturally, repeat administration of water. Quickly transport victim to an emergency facility.

Is there anything else I need to know about first aid?

Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest). Consult a doctor and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for all exposures except minor instances of inhalation or skin contact.

All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the material and its condition of use in the workplace.

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Document last updated on February 19, 1999

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