Dangerous chemicals at home (Common accidents at home) β€” Hygiene

Hello! These notes help children (age 6) in Kenya learn about chemicals at home that can be dangerous and how to stay safe. Ask a grown-up if you are not sure about something.

What are "dangerous chemicals"? πŸ§ͺ⚠️

They are things we use to clean, kill insects or fix things but which can hurt us if we touch, breathe, or eat them. Examples:

  • Bleach (used for washing clothes and floors) 🧴
  • Detergent and dishwashing liquid 🧼
  • Paraffin / kerosene (for lights or stoves – jiko) β›½
  • Insect killers and pesticides 🐜
  • Medicine (tablets or syrups) that can look like sweets 🍬

Easy safety rules β€” Remember these! βœ…
  • Keep chemicals on a high shelf or locked cupboard β€” out of reach. πŸ”’
  • Always keep chemicals in their own bottles (don’t pour them into cups). 🚫πŸ₯€
  • Ask a grown-up before touching anything you don’t know. πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈπŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ
  • Don’t mix things like bleach and other cleaners β€” they can make bad gas. βŒβš—οΈ
  • Never eat or taste medicine or creams. Food looks different! 🍎
If someone gets chemicals on them β€” quick steps
  1. If chemical splashes into the eyes: wash the eyes with clean water for at least 10 minutes. Tell a grown-up quickly. πŸ’§πŸ‘οΈ
  2. If chemical gets on the skin: take off dirty clothes and wash the skin with lots of water. 🧴➑️🚿
  3. If someone swallows a chemical: tell a grown-up. Do NOT make them vomit unless a doctor tells you. ☎️
  4. If someone breathes bad smoke or feels very sick: move them outside into fresh air and tell a grown-up. 🌬️
Emergency β€” Who to call

If it is very bad, call for help: 999 or 112 (Kenya). Tell the person who answers:

  • What happened and what was swallowed or spilled.
  • The child’s age and where you are.

Good habits at home β€” short song / rhyme

"If it’s not food, don’t put it in your mouth. Tell a grown-up, head to mom or daddy, shout!" 🎡

Fun check (ask with a grown-up) βœ”οΈ

Tick the boxes with a pen or finger:

(The middle answer is wrong β€” you should never pour chemicals into cups!)
Who can help at home?

Mama, Baba, older brother or sister, neighbour or teacher β€” always find a trusted grown-up and tell them right away.

Made for children in Kenya β€” simple tips to stay safe around chemicals at home. Ask a grown-up if you want to learn more.


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