What should be done immediately if a chemical is splashed onto the skin?

When a chemical is splashed onto the skin, the immediate and most effective action is to wash the affected area with water. This is crucial because flushing the skin with water helps to dilute and remove the chemical, minimizing its harmful effects. Immediate decontamination reduces the likelihood of chemical burns or absorption through the skin, which can lead to more severe health issues.

Washing with water should be done for a minimum of 15 minutes, as recommended in many safety protocols, to ensure that any residual chemical is thoroughly washed away. In cases involving hazardous materials, rapid response can significantly limit the extent of injury.

Other actions, such as applying a bandage or covering the area with a cloth, would not adequately address the presence of the chemical on the skin and could potentially trap the chemical, allowing it to cause further injury. Waiting for the chemical to evaporate is not a viable option either, as evaporation may not occur quickly enough, and the chemical could continue to affect the skin in the meantime.