Final answer:
If skin comes into contact with gasoline, the first response should be to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, then seek medical attention if necessary. Safety data sheets provide specific instructions for handling chemical spills and must be adhered to in a laboratory setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
When coming into contact with gasoline, which is a harmful chemical, the first and immediate action you should take is to wash the area with soap and water. This is true not only for gasoline but for many other chemicals as well. If a chemical such as gasoline comes into contact with your skin, you must quickly remove it to prevent any potential chemical burns or absorption through the skin. According to CDC handwashing recommendations, you should start by wetting your hands with clean, running water, apply soap, and wash thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. It is important to cover all areas including between the fingers and under the nails. This should ideally be done under lukewarm water if available, to help remove the chemical more effectively.
After washing with soap and water, seek further medical attention if you experience a reaction or if the gasoline contact was extensive, to ensure that there are no chemical burns or other complications. In a laboratory or workshop setting, safety protocols must be followed strictly, and it's crucial to adhere to the instructions provided by the safety data sheet (SDS) for the specific chemical you're handling. Additionally, all incidents and spills should be reported to a teacher or supervisor immediately.