1.6 Intoxication, First Aid and Emergency Treatment
Accidents might happen when dealing with Crop Protection Products. Therefore, all farm workers should have knowledge or at least basic guidelines about first aid measures. Emergency instructions should be written and displayed in visible locations to all workers. The instructions should be written in the local language and using images and pictures for a better comprehension.
Always keep in mind:
- If you feel any sickness after having been in contact with CPPs, always see the doctor
- Do not do self-diagnosis. Should any problem arise, seek medical assistance
- Be aware that the symptoms of intoxication with CPPs can manifest themselves some time after the exposure
General Symptom of Poisoning
In case of acute contamination or sickness, immediately apply first aid and call a doctor or go to the nearest medical FACILITY and bring the label of the CPP.
ELEMENTARY FIRST AID MEASURES
Knowing the elementary first aid measures is of outmost importance for everyone on the farm. To provide first aid to a person contaminated with CPPs, the following steps should be applied:
- Have first aid equipment available such as eye wash, first aid kit, soap and water
- Remove the person from the risk area (while observing your own safety). Bring or carry the person into fresh air
- Place the unconscious person on his side, with the head bent backwards. Keep the respiratory tract clear
- Keep the person warm or cool, accordingly
- Don’t give the person anything to drink especially alcoholic beverage or milk
- Do not induce vomiting
- In case of skin contamination, wash with plenty of water, take off contaminated clothing
- Seek medical help and take label / product along. It contains the necessary information for the adequate treatment
MEASURES IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL CONTAMINATION OF THE SKIN
- Remove all contaminated clothing
- Immediately wash the affected zone thoroughly with large quantities of water and soap, but do not rub excessively to avoid damaging the skin
- In case of heavy contamination take a shower as soon as possible
- Put on completely clean clothing
- Decontaminate protective clothing with water and soap
- If the interior of the gloves or the boots is contaminated, dispose of them properly and do not use them again. The interior of gloves and boots cannot be decontaminated by washing
MEASURES IN THE EVENT OF EYE CONTACT WITH CPPs
In case of contamination through the eyes, follow the steps below:
- Rinse the eyes with large quantities of clean water for at least 10 minutes
- Rinse longer if the label instructions indicate so
- Seek medical attention
MEASURES IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL INHALATION
If contamination happened due to inhalation, the following also applies:
- If a contaminated person is located in a closed space, don't go after the person unless an air-supplied respirator is worn to protect yourself
- Remove or loosen tight clothing, particularly around the neck
- Give a mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (if the patient cannot breathe, or breathes irregularly)
EMERGENCY TREATMENT
What is an External Adverse Incident?
An external adverse incident is an unintended event or occurrence that (potentially) disrupts operations, commerce, health and safety, the environment, and/or results in non-compliance with relevant regulations or standards for the industry or product…
…with (potential) impact on:
SPILLAGE
SPILLAGE is a risk and all possible efforts should be made to avoid it. Always wear your PPE when handling spills!
Remember the THREE C PROGRAM