What should be done with visible chemical residue before irrigating with water?

Before irrigating with water for a chemical burn, it is crucial to remove any visible chemical residue to prevent further tissue damage and to facilitate effective irrigation. Brushing off the residue is an appropriate initial step because it helps eliminate the source of the chemical that could continue to cause injury.

Leaving the chemical residue intact, as suggested in ignoring it, would allow the harmful substance to remain in contact with the skin, risking additional burns or systemic absorption. Covering with a cloth could potentially trap the chemical against the skin, worsening the injury, and soaking in water before brushing could further spread the chemical over the affected area, complicating the situation. Thus, brushing off the visible chemical residue is the most effective way to prepare for irrigation, ensuring that the burn area is as clean as possible before introducing water to dilute and wash away any remaining chemical.