What is the first action to take if dermal exposure to a pesticide occurs?

When dermal exposure to a pesticide occurs, the immediate priority is to rinse the pesticide off the skin. This action is crucial for minimizing the amount of pesticide that penetrates the skin and reduces the potential for adverse health effects. Rinsing the area with plenty of water helps to dilute and wash away the chemical, effectively limiting its harmful impact.

Applying a protective cream or first aid ointment after exposure does not address the immediate need to remove the pesticide, and could potentially trap the chemical against the skin, increasing the risk of absorption. Notifying a supervisor is also important for reporting the incident and ensuring proper response procedures are followed, but it should not take precedence over decontamination. Therefore, rinsing the pesticide off is the most critical and immediate action to take in the event of dermal exposure.