Which option describes the recommended approach for eye exposure to chemical splashes?

Which option describes the recommended approach for eye exposure to chemical splashes?

• A. Hold eyelids open
• B. Rinse eyes with soap
• C. Hold eyelids open and wash eyes with drops of clean water
• D. Ignore and wait

Answer: (C)

When eyes are splashed with chemicals, immediate decontamination with clean water is essential. Keeping the eyelids open allows the water to reach all surfaces of the eye and wash away the contaminant more effectively, including under the lids. Washing with clean water (rather than soap) helps rinse out the chemical without causing additional irritation, and continuing the rinse promptly reduces the risk of injury. This option is the best because it combines keeping the eyes open to expose all areas and using clean water to flush away the chemical. The other choices fall short: simply holding the eyelids open without rinsing won’t remove the chemical; rinsing with soap can irritate the eyes; ignoring the exposure is dangerous.

When eyes are splashed with chemicals, immediate decontamination with clean water is essential. Keeping the eyelids open allows the water to reach all surfaces of the eye and wash away the contaminant more effectively, including under the lids. Washing with clean water (rather than soap) helps rinse out the chemical without causing additional irritation, and continuing the rinse promptly reduces the risk of injury.

This option is the best because it combines keeping the eyes open to expose all areas and using clean water to flush away the chemical. The other choices fall short: simply holding the eyelids open without rinsing won’t remove the chemical; rinsing with soap can irritate the eyes; ignoring the exposure is dangerous.