If spent Class K extinguisher residue contacts skin or eyes, what should you do?

• A. Rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists
• B. Wipe off with a dry towel
• C. Apply ointment immediately and continue
• D. Rinse with soapy water and ignore irritation

Answer: (A)

Exposure to spent Class K extinguisher residue presents a chemical burn risk, so the priority is immediate decontamination. Rinsing thoroughly with clean running water helps dilute and remove the caustic residue from skin or eyes, reducing the chance of ongoing irritation or burns. If irritation or symptoms persist after flushing, seeking medical attention is important because chemical exposure can worsen over time or require specialized care.

Wiping with a dry towel can grind or spread the residue. Applying ointment without guidance can trap the chemical and delay proper treatment. Rinsing with soapy water isn’t the recommended first aid when dealing with caustic kitchen chemicals, and ignoring irritation can lead to more severe injuries.