What should you do in the case of a chemical splash in the eye?

In the event of a chemical splash in the eye, the most effective and immediate action is to flush the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes. This procedure helps to dilute and remove the chemical irritant from the surface of the eye, minimizing potential damage. Water acts as a universal solvent for many substances, providing a safe and effective means to wash away harmful chemicals, and the duration of at least 15 minutes is critical to ensure thorough cleansing.

Flushing also helps to reduce the risk of chemical burns or other serious injuries that can result from prolonged contact with irritants. It’s important to ensure that the water flows continuously and gently over the eye and to keep the eye open during the process to facilitate drainage and rinsing.

Wiping the eye with a cloth may inadvertently introduce more irritants or scratch the eye's surface. Applying ointment directly could trap harmful substances and worsen the injury. Covering the eye with a bandage is not recommended, as it could lead to retention of chemicals and increased risk of injury by preventing proper irrigation. Thus, flushing the eye with clean water is the most suitable first aid response in this situation.