What should you do immediately if concentrated sulfuric acid spills on your arm?

If concentrated sulfuric acid spills on your arm, the immediate response should be to rinse the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. This action is crucial because sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive substance that can cause severe burns and tissue damage upon contact with skin. Rinsing with water helps to dilute the acid and wash it away, minimizing the injury and preventing further harm.

In emergencies involving chemical spills, immediate and copious irrigation with water is a standard first-aid procedure to reduce the concentration of the harmful chemical on the skin and to help flush it away effectively. This approach is supported by safety guidelines in handling and exposure to hazardous materials.

Applying a tourniquet is unnecessary, as it could restrict blood flow and potentially cause further damage to the limb. Using a neutralizing agent is not advisable because interactions may produce heat or a harmful reaction that could worsen the injury. Ignoring the spill because there is no immediate pain could lead to serious consequences, as some chemical burns may not reveal their severity instantly. Thus, rinsing with water is the most effective and safest response in such a situation.