The correct answer is C) Before washing, the lime should be brushed away gently. The reasoning for this is that dry lime is a caustic substance that can continue to burn the skin if not properly removed. Brushing the lime away gently helps to remove the caustic material before flushing the area with water, which is the recommended first aid treatment. Applying water directly without first removing the lime could actually spread the burn and cause further damage. The other options, such as spraying water or covering the area with ointment, would not be as effective in stopping the burning reaction caused by the dry lime.