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

What should I do if someone becomes ill from breathing Trichloroethylene?

Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g. wear appropriate protective equipment). Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, trained personnel should begin artificial respiration (AR) or, if heart has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Immediately transport victim to an emergency care facility.

What do I do if someone gets Trichloroethylene on their skin?

Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical resistant protective clothing if necessary. As quickly as possible, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Wash gently and thoroughly with water and non-abrasive soap for 20 minutes or until the chemical is removed. Obtain medical attention immediately. Completely decontaminate clothing, shoes and leather goods before re-use or discard.

What do I do if someone gets Trichloroethylene in their eyes?

Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical resistant gloves, if necessary. Quickly blot or brush away excess chemical. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 20 minutes or until the chemical is removed, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Obtain medical attention immediately.

What do I do if someone swallows Trichloroethylene?

NEVER give anything by mouth if victim is rapidly losing consciousness or is unconscious or convulsing. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Have victim drink 240 to 300 mL (8 to 10 ozs) of water to dilute material in stomach. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration. Repeat administration of water. Obtain medical attention immediately.

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 particular workplace.

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Document last updated on December 21, 1998

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