First aid 2 Hazardous substances in road accidents – Notes and key
1 Accidents may be complicated … by the spillage of dangerous substances or the escape of toxic vapours.
2 Never make a rescue attempt … unless you are sure that you will not come into contact with a dangerous substance.
3 Keep bystanders away from the scene, … bearing in mind that poisonous fumes may be released and travel some distance.
4 Stand upwind of the accident … to ensure that any fumes are blown away from you.
5 A Hazchem placard … on a vehicle warns that it is carrying a hazardous substance.
6 If …. in doubt about your safety, or the meaning of the sign, keep your distance, especially if there is a spillage, or if you see the letter ‘E’.
7 The information given with this … is coded and will be understood by the emergency services, so make a note of it and pass it on when telephoning for help.
Notes
A hazard is a danger or a risk. We use the word for the flashing warning lights on a vehicle – hazard lights.
The verb spill is used of contents or liquids which pour or flow out of or over the edge of a container
a bystander – a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part
to bear in mind – to remember and take into account
to release – to allow to flow or move freely; to become able to move after being fixed
upwind – adverb / adj – in a position higher than the source of the wind
downwind – in a position below the source and direction of the wind so you
Silent sounds: in doubt the ‘b’ is silent and in sign – the ‘g’ is silent
Notice the words ending in ‘ous‘: hazardous, dangerous, vapours, poisonous.