priority: getting safe
Do not become a second victim and do not manipulate the source without proper protection.
03Conduct to be maintained
After biological exposure: the first reflexes
A bite, cut, projection on a mucous membrane, bite or unusual inhalation is not all handled in the same way. The priorities are not to increase exposure, apply the first aid provided and obtain a timely and appropriate assessment.
AnswerThe essential first
In practice
The short answer
Step away from the source without further exposure. For damaged skin, clean immediately with soap and water without bleeding; for projection in the eye or mucous membrane, rinse thoroughly with water or saline. Then inform the contact person designated by your workplace or a health professional without delay. In case of distress or immediate danger, call 112.
minimal rinsing of mucous membranes
INRS benchmark for projection in the eye, mouth or other mucous membrane.
assessment and reporting
Some post-exposure measures are all the more useful as they are being considered quickly.
01Understanding the situation
Recognize the main routes of exposure
The immediate action and the professional to be contacted depend on the route of entry, the subject matter involved, the duration, the protections and the condition of the person.
Pikure or cut-off
Stinging or sharp object, damaged skin and potentially contaminated material require a quick procedure.
Projection on a mucous membrane
Eye, mouth or nose should be rinsed thoroughly, without applying an irritating product.
Contact with damaged skin
Clean without bleeding and report the contact according to the protocol.
Unusual Inhalation
Leave the area if safe, avoid further dispersal and request an evaluation.
Bite or scratch
Wash the wound and get a opinion taking into account the animal, territory, depth and vaccination status.
02Step by step
The six actions to be pursued
The procedures of the place take precedence where they exist. Do not improvise a sample, complex cleaning or neutralization of the source.
Stopping activity
Put the tool or interrupt the gesture without contaminate a new surface or another person.
Making yourself safe
Step away, isolate the area if you can do it safely and call for help.
Apply the first adapted treatment
Wash exposed skin or rinse a mucous membrane according to the procedure; do not bleed a wound.
Alert the intended contact person
Contact the referent, occupational health department, emergency department or professional indicated by the local procedure.
Documenting the facts
Note time, duration, track, material, approximate quantity, equipment worn and first aid performed.
Follow the instructions
Follow the assessment, reporting, follow-up and any medical measures without waiting for symptoms.
03Decision points
When the orientation becomes urgent
The context determines the right measure. Use these markers to choose the next action and when to ask for help.
Vital danger or distress
Significant respiratory difficulty, loss of consciousness, severe reaction or persistent danger: call 112 immediately.
Blood-exposing accident
Pikure, cut, damaged skin or potentially contaminant fluid projection: apply first aid and request an urgent assessment.
Occupational exposure
Use the written procedure, inform the responsible person and contact the competent department for care and traceability.
04Not to be done
Frequent errors
- Bleed a shot or cut.
- Apply a product not intended for use in the eye or mucous membrane.
- Wait for symptoms to appear before reporting a blood-exposed accident.
- Transport or collect an unknown material yourself.
- Clean the area without equipment and create a new exhibition.
Important limitThis page does not allow to assess your individual risk. Agent, dose, route, source, time and medical condition may change the course of action to be taken. In case of doubt after a real exposure, contact a professional or the intended service quickly; in case of distress, call 112.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to bleed a wound after a shot?
No. The instructions of INRS indicate that no bleeding is required. Immediately clean the area with soap and water, rinse, then apply the prescribed procedure and get a quick assessment.
What to do after a projection in the eye?
Rinse thoroughly with water or saline for at least five minutes according to INRS. Do not use any irritant product and contact the appropriate department or professional quickly.
Can I wait until I see if any symptoms appear?
No when a potentially significant exposure has taken place. Some measures depend on time and an absence of immediate symptoms does not exclude a risk. Report the event and request an evaluation.
What information should be kept?
Note the time, place, route of exposure, suspected material or agent, duration, protections, first aid and contact details of the witnesses or source if the procedure allows.
Check implementation
These points serve as a reminder to prepare the action. The boxes are not registered.
Preparing the information to be communicated
Organize the chronology and documents to bring, without delaying a quick notice when it is necessary. Fill in the aide-memoire for a medical exchange →
Sources used
These institutional references provide a means of checking the guide and accessing the full recommendations.
PratiqueCheck before deciding
Votre liste de vérification
- Noter heure, voie d’exposition, zone du corps et circonstances.
- Appliquer immédiatement les gestes de la procédure adaptée.
- Identify the medical or workplace contact without delay.
- Keep information about the source without handling unknown material.
Use alongside the guide’s steps, limitations and sources.