Understanding First Aid Requirements for a Chemical R&D Unit
Being a chemical R&D unit, your company would fall under a hazardous workplace environment. Unlike BPOs, where the risk is limited to accidental falls, cuts, or maybe electric shocks, in a chemical company, the risks pertain to accidental chemical spills, vapors, chemical burns, accidental/deliberate ingestion of chemicals, and risks of workplace violence that can result in any of the above.
Review of Chemicals and Safety Protocols
First off, there needs to be a review of the chemicals used in your company/lab. The company's R&D supervisor/scientist should be able to provide you with details of the chemicals used and antidotes/protocols in case of spills/burns, etc. You will need supplies/facilities that cater to this. In case you have different sections using different chemicals (which is common), each wing/department might have to slightly modify the contents pertaining to the chemicals they use. Trained first aiders may also be employed for the best results, ensuring there is at least one per 100 employees present at a time. Also, have a contingency plan for the first aid personnel on leave. Alternatively, employees can be trained in first aid and in management specific to your company. Appropriate management protocol with designated roles is required (as to who will call the emergency personnel/ambulance/company's doctor/transport arrangements and one person responsible for getting the kit and starting the first aid, etc.). Documentation of the events is mandatory. It might be a good idea to have an incident form and pen handy so the same can be filled up as soon as practically possible.
First Aid Room and Specific Requirements
As a chemical R&D company, there will be a need for a first aid room separately for this purpose as well. The list provided earlier is sufficient for injuries, but additionally, specific items required in relation to your company's hazardous inventory are necessary and may be kept in a separate box under lock and key. For example, if you deal with acids or alkali solutions, appropriate chemicals for treating such burns are required. This information can be best provided by the chemical department chief/supervisor or from other sources.
Review of Past Accidents and Safety Measures
Secondly, a review of the common accidents that have occurred in the past can give you an idea of what to expect. Also, in the case of closed workplaces, appropriate safety measures must be in place to deal with poisonous vapors in closed spaces.
Over-The-Counter Drugs
Regarding Over-The-Counter drugs, they may be kept like simple Paracetamol for a headache or fever, Combiflam, or Dispirin. Dispirin has its role in cases of a heart attack to prevent the worsening/spreading of the clot in the heart's vessels, but it is best used by someone who is trained to identify the medical emergency (not necessarily a medical personnel but someone trained in first aid).
A guiding rule for making a first-aid box would be to customize it based on the possible/common risks in your workplace.
Regards,
Dr. Akilesh R
Ex-Assistant Professor, Govt. DCH, Aurangabad