Wash skin this much of solvent spills on skin?

• A. Every hour
• B. 5 minutes
• C. 15 minutes
• D. 30 minutes

Answer: (A)

When solvent spills on the skin, rapid and thorough decontamination is essential. Rinse the affected area with plenty of running water immediately and keep rinsing for at least fifteen minutes. This long, continuous flush helps dilute and remove the chemical from the skin, reducing irritation and the chance of absorption into the body.

While rinsing, remove contaminated clothing and jewelry to prevent further exposure, and avoid scrubbing the skin, which can cause more irritation. If the chemical instructions allow soap, you can wash with soap and water to aid removal; otherwise, water alone is typically used.

After rinsing, dry the skin and monitor for symptoms. Seek medical attention if irritation, redness, blistering, or any symptoms persist, or if the chemical involved is highly toxic or corrosive. The key takeaway is to wash for a full fifteen minutes.