99TravelSafe.com
96 - Safety and Precautions Against Chemical and Biohazards!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
CHEMICAL Hazards or Agents are poisonous gases, liquids or solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants.
Most chemical agents cause serious injuries or death!
The severity of injuries depends on the type and amount of the chemical agent used, and the DURATION of exposure!
BIOLOGICAL Hazards or Biohazards are organisms or toxins that have illness-producing effects on people, livestock and crops!
Because biological or biohazards cannot necessarily be detected and may take time to grow and cause a disease, it is almost impossible to know that a biological attack has occurred. If government officials become aware of a biological attack through an informant or warning by terrorists, they would most likely instruct citizens to either seek shelter where they are and seal the premises or EVACUATE immediately!
If you are exposed to an unknown hazardous chemical liquid you should move AWAY from the liquid.
Take cover if a liquid is falling on you, or use clothing to protect your skin from CONTACT with the liquid.
If you get some of the liquid on you: once you are no longer in contact with the source of the liquid, take your clothing OFF and immediately wash with soap and cool water.
First, wash body parts which were NOT covered with clothing, and then wash your ENTIRE body. If soap is not available wash with cool water!
Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible!
If you are exposed to an unknown hazardous chemical gas you should move AWAY from the gas which may be in the form of a cloud.
If you are OUTSIDE, cover your nose and mouth with a folded cloth, breathe through the cloth, and continue to move away from the gas!
If you are in a VEHICLE, roll up the windows, close all roof openings, and close the ventilation system so external air does NOT enter, and turn the ventilation system "OFF".
Also, cover your NOSE and MOUTH with a folded cloth and breathe through the cloth as you drive AWAY from the gas!
If you are at HOME, stay in the house, close the windows and doors, and turn the ventilation system "off". You may also want to breathe through a folded cloth until the threat has passed!
Monitor radio or television stations for official information regarding the threat. "On scene" police and fire officials may provide information regarding the status of the threat!
Once the threat has passed, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible!
If you believe you are being exposed to a biohazard you should
-- Move away from the material.
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a folded cloth and breathe through the cloth.
-- Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible!
Chemical and biological hazards can cause health issues like breathing problems, burns, skin disease, cancer and even death.
Always Remember To;
For Chemical Agents Safety;
-- Avoid inhaling, tasting, or smelling chemicals
-- Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye protection, and face protection
-- Wash hands and arms after handling chemicals
-- Store chemicals in a safe place, away from children
-- Use chemical fume hoods or biosafety cabinets as directed
-- Keep work areas clean and uncluttered
-- Use safety data sheets and chemical container labels
For Biological Agents or Biohazards Safety;
-- Wear protective equipment like masks, gloves, eye shields, face shields, and shoe covers
-- Practice good personal hygiene
-- Follow procedures for safe handling, storage, and transport of biological agents
-- Reduce the number of people exposed, the duration of exposure, and the quantities of biological agents