Question

If a few drops of a concentrated acid accidently spill over the hand of a student, what should be done?

• A. Wash the hand with saline water
• B. Wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogen carbonate
• C. After washing with plenty of water apply solution of sodium hydroxide on the hand
• D. Neutralise the acid with a strong alkali

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogen carbonate

If a few drops of a concentrated acid accidentally spill over the hand of a student, wash the hand immediately with plenty of water and apply a paste of sodium hydrogen carbonate.
Water will dilute the acid and wash it out. Any remaining acid will be neutralized with sodium hydrogen carbonate. This will minimize the effect of acid and damage to the skin.