American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Practice Test

The immediate first aid response for chemical burns involves rinsing the affected area with water for 15-20 minutes. This action is crucial because it helps to dilute and wash away the chemical causing the burn, which can significantly reduce tissue damage and alleviate pain. Water serves as an effective medium for removing harmful substances from the skin, thereby minimizing the potential for further injury.

In the case of chemical exposure, the longer the chemical remains on the skin, the more damage it can cause. Rinsing continuously for the full duration ensures that residual chemicals are removed, and it also cools the burn, providing immediate relief. This step is vital and often recommended by safety guidelines associated with handling hazardous materials in laboratory settings.

The other options do not provide adequate care for chemical burns. Applying ice directly can cause additional skin damage, especially with certain types of burns. Covering with a bandage without rinsing first does not address the chemical agent and can worsen the injury. Using ointment on a chemical burn may trap the chemical against the skin, leading to further irritation. Thus, rinsing with water is the most effective and appropriate first aid response to take when dealing with chemical burns.