After witnessing an acid splash into a fellow worker's eyes, what should you do first?

When someone experiences an acid splash in their eyes, the immediate and most critical response is to wash the eyes with large amounts of clean water. This action is essential because it helps to dilute and remove the acid, preventing further damage to the eye. The severity of eye injuries caused by acids can escalate rapidly, and timely irrigation is pivotal in minimizing potential harm.

Washing the eyes thoroughly not only helps to flush out the corrosive substance but also reduces the chances of long-term damage or loss of vision. Emergency eye washing should continue for at least 15 minutes, and the person should seek medical attention immediately after the washing process, even if symptoms seem to improve.

Other responses, such as bandaging the eye or applying ointments, are not appropriate first responses. They can trap the acid and exacerbate the injury. Therefore, the immediate action of flushing the eyes with water is the best practice for addressing chemical exposure in the eyes.