Chemical Burn First Aid and the ESG Conversation: Why It Matters
Why sustainability now matters in how we respond to a chemical burn
The Hidden Cost of "Dilution"
Water-based rinse systems have been the norm for decades. Yet these setups often require:
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Thousands of litres of water
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High energy usage (particularly when heated to prevent hypothermia)
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Ongoing maintenance
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Safe handling and disposal of contaminated waste
Beyond operational costs, traditional systems often delay effective response — especially in colder environments or where access to clean water is limited.
Even more importantly, once a chemical has entered the tissue (skin or eyes), water is no longer effective. It can rinse and dilute, but it cannot actively draw chemicals out. This leaves tissue exposed to continued damage.
Aligning First Aid with ESG Goals
Organisations aiming to improve their sustainability profile should be assessing chemical response protocols across three ESG pillars:
E – Environmental Impact
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How much water is being used for maintenance and per incident?
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What are the risks and costs associated with contaminated run-off?
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How can power consumption be reduced?
S – Social Responsibility
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Are teams confident in the tools they’ve been given?
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Are responders equipped to act within the critical first 10 seconds?
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Do protocols prioritise both effectiveness and wellbeing?
G – Governance
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Are current decontamination tools backed by science and best practice?
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Can procurement decisions stand up to scrutiny in ESG and safety reviews?
A Better Way Forward
Diphex, through its partnership with Prevor, offers advanced solutions like Diphoterine® and Hexafluorine®. These are:
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Portable – ready to use anywhere on-site
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Efficient – decontaminate a whole body with as little as 5 litres
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Non-electric – no plumbing, heating, or maintenance required
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Environmentally responsible – significantly reduces water use and run-off
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Scientifically proven – more effective, designed to actively remove chemicals from the tissue
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EN15154 compliant - meets safety standards while dramtically reducing water use, waste and response time
Our active solutions go further:
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They draw chemicals out of tissue through hypertonic action
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Bind them to stop further harm
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And bring the pH back to a safe, physiological range
This is the shift: from compliance-led rinsing to results-driven, responsible decontamination.
That’s not just innovation — it’s meaningful progress. And more organisations are making the switch to chemical first aid that’s faster, smarter, and more sustainable.
