The employee health nurse encounters employees who smell bitter almonds. Which intervention should be implemented?

• A. Notify security to evacuate all employees.
• B. Tell the employees to continue working.
• C. Instruct employees to wear face shields.
• D. Assess the employees for respiratory distress.

Answer: (A)

When a bitter almond odor is detected in an occupational setting, the immediate priority is to protect people from inhaling a toxic gas. This odor can signal cyanide exposure, which acts quickly to impair cellular oxygen use, so getting everyone out of the contaminated area and into fresh air is essential. Evacuating the area—coordinating with security or leadership to clear employees from the source and establish a safe perimeter—prevents further exposure and allows responders to manage the incident.

Continuing to work would keep people at risk, and protective gear like face shields does not shield the inhalation route from toxic gases. Assessing for respiratory distress is important, but it should come after everyone has been removed from danger. After evacuation, notify emergency services and initiate appropriate decontamination and medical assessment as needed.