SN Emergency Procedures

1. Put the person in a comfortable position and keep warm
2. Call University Health Services "5433" (within office hours)
3. Call PolyU emergency hotline "7666" or "7999" if appropriate
4. Compile a written report after the incident
5. Follow up action: e.g. whether admission is needed, inform relatives

For minor injury, apply first aid using materials contained in the first aid box. (in all laboratories and General Office)

For serious injury, apply first aid technique if you are a qualified first aider or call for help:
2766 7999 (emergency line) or
2766 7666 (24 hours) or use the Emergency Telephone Set at the strategic locations on Campus.

For Minor Wounds

1. If the wound is dirty, clean it by rinsing lightly under running water or use an antiseptic wipe.
2. Pat dry with a gauze swab.
3. If the bleeding persists and no foreign body is found, apply direct pressure.
4. Cover a small wound with an appropriate dressing such as an adhesive dressing or standard dressing.
5. Raise and support the injured part.

Foreign Body in the eye

1. Lay the person on his back, support his head to keep it as still as possible.
2. Ask the person to keep both eyes still as movement of the good eye will cause movement of injured eye, which may damage it further.
3. Cover it gently with an eye-shield or a sterile dressing.
4. Secure it with a bandage or adhesive plaster.
5. Take or send the person to hospital/ clinic.

DO NOT TOUCH OR ATTEMPT TO REMOVE AN EMBEDDED FOREIGN BODY

Burns and scalds

1. Flood the injured part with cold water for at least ten minutes to relieve the pain.
2. Gently remove any jewelry, watches, belts, or constricting clothing from the injured area before it begins to swell.
3. Cover the area with a sterile dressing or clean cloth. A plastic bag or some kitchen film makes a good temporary covering.
4. Be alert for signs of shock and infection.
5. If it is a chemical burn, flush the affected area until medical help arrives, and remove contaminated clothing.

Spillage involving hazardous substances such as chemicals and biological agents

Emergency shower or eye-wash

Chemical Spillage

1. Stay away from the area of the spill.
2. Notify others around the area.
3. Open the windows if the substance is flammable, do not turn any electrical switches on on or off, and do not use the telephone in the area.
4. If you are trained in handling spills, try to clean up the spill by using the spill-response kit provided in the laboratory. Make sure that you wear all the necessary personal protective equipment.

For a major chemical spillage the below should be adopted

1. Open the windows if the spilt chemical or the leaked gas is flammable, do not turn any electrical switches on or off, and do not use the telephone in the area.
2. Evacuate the area and fence off the affected area to prevent entry.

Further Response

1. If somebody is contaminated with chemicals or injured, try to help the person decontaminate by using the nearest emergency shower or eye-wash (5/F F Core and one eye-wash is set in FG501), or get a first-aider to provide first-aid treatment. Take precautions of yourself when you offer help.
2. When you are at a safe place, call the Campus Security Control Centre (Ext. 7999) for assistance in case of major spills; identify yourself and the location of the incident as far as possible. You may also call 999 directly for external assistance.
3. Health, Safety and Environment Office should be called to provide assistance.
4. People who are, or feel that they might have been affected by the spilt chemical in one way or another should be sent to a clinic/hospital for observation or treatment.

Biological Spillage

1. Warn personnel working nearby and notify the Laboratory-in-charge of the spill. No need to evacuate personnel from the laboratory.
2. Put on appropriate Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, splashguards and respirators.
3. Always work in a team during the clean up. Keep at least one other staff member around to observe the response of the clean up staff.
4. Pour disinfectants such as 0.5% hypochlorite carefully around the outside of the spill and allow the disinfectants to flow into the spill. Lay paper towels moistened with disinfectant over the spill.
5. Wait 20-30 minutes to allow the disinfectant to work.
6. Transfer the soaked materials into double waste bags labeled with biohazard signs for disposal. Equipment reclaimed should be washed thoroughly to remove disinfectant solution before autoclaving if such is required. Plasticware reclaimed should be washed and soaked with fresh disinfectant solutions again.
7. Wash and mop the adjacent as well as the spill area with a fresh disinfectant solution.
8. Wash gloves before removal and leaving the area. Any other protective equipment should also be disinfected.

1. If in doubt, should the staff/student smell anything abnormal, contact the Campus Security Control Centre (Ext. 7999) for assistance. The security staff shall then contact Health, Safety and Environment Office who will then carry out an immediate investigation.
2. If you suspect a leakage of Towngas/LP gas, do not try to switch on/off any electrical equipment in the vicinity "and do not use the telephone in the area as this may cause" sparks and trigger an explosion. Notify others to leave the area and stay at a safe place, such as the podium. Inform Campus Security Control Centre (Ext. 7999) for assistance. 

Immediate action

1. Provide first aid treatment
2. Call ambulance
3. Report and document the incident

Preventive measures

1. Always keep the floor clean and dry
2. Avoid running in the centre

1. Keep a safe distance from the offender
2. Call security immediately for help
3. Note down the characteristics of the offender if conditions allow
4. Report to Police whenever necessary
5. Report & record event according to SN's Accident/Incident Reporting Procedures

1. Check for water source(s)
2. Call Facility Management Office helpdesk (Ext. 7777) or Campus Security Control (Ext. 7999).
3. Report & record event according to SN's Accident/Incident Reporting Procedures whenever necessary

1. Maintain good ventilation during moxibustion, fire-cupping or similar procedures
2. Close all windows before leaving the laboratory

1. First-aid treatment for needle-prick injury
2. Attend Accident and Emergency Department for further management
3. Complete incident report should be sent to the concerned Department of the hospital & PolyU (School of Nursing)
4. Refer to "Record of Measurable Psycho-Motor Skills" for Pre-registration Education in Nursing (General) for details