If a worker gets chemicals on their skin or eyes, for how long should they bathe the affected area?

In the event of a chemical exposure on the skin or in the eyes, the recommended duration for rinsing the affected area is 15 minutes. This timeframe is based on established safety protocols to ensure that any harmful substances are thoroughly washed away. Rinsing for this length of time allows for proper flushing of the affected area, minimizing the risk of chemical burns, irritation, or long-term injury. The goal is to effectively dilute and remove the chemicals to prevent further harm.

It's also important to note that in cases of eye exposure, continuous irrigation with a gentle flow of water is crucial, as even short delays can lead to severe damage to the eyes. Many regulatory and safety organizations, such as OSHA and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), recommend a minimum of 15 minutes for decontamination in these scenarios.

In contrast, shorter rinsing durations may not provide adequate time to ensure that the chemicals are fully washed away, which could compromise the worker's safety and wellbeing.