FIRST AID FOR BURNS

Just the thought of being a burn victim is most unpleasant- but- as people who should be prepared at all times, we all know that there are many opportunities for burn injuries to occur everyday. Your job can bring you into contact with hot surfaces, welding or cutting torches, acids, hot water pipes, chemicals, electricity, sun etc, which can cause burns. All burns are painful and the danger of infection must be addressed. Most burn require professional medical attention.

First- degree burns:  This affects the outer layer of the skin such as sunburn or contact with hot objects. The skin will be red and sore. As first aid treatment, apply cold water to the burned area or submerge the area in cold water. A running tap is advisable if readily available within the work site. Apply a sterile dressing and observe.

Second -degree burns: This type of burn affects the entire outer area of the skin and may penetrate deeper. The skin usually blisters. These burns are caused by bad sunburn, contact with hot liquids, or burn from torch fires. It could occur if water boiling at 100 degree is allowed incidentally on any part of the body. As first aid, apply cold water, as you would do for first-degree burns, or use cold pack, or cover the burn with a cold, wet sterile dressing. Do not break blisters or apply ointments, antiseptics etc. Seek immediate medical help.

Third- degree burns: Third degree burns penetrate deep into the skin and are very serious. Contact with naked flames, burning clothing or electricity among others can cause third degree burns. As a first aid measure, if the clothing is on fire, drop and roll the victim on the floor to extinguish flames, cover the area with sterile dressing, never use cold water, ointments, antiseptics etc. Rush the person to seek medical help.

As we always say, safety is the first aid for the uninjured. We have to prevent burn accidents in the first instance. Below are some of the common precautions we should put in place:

1)    Keep sparks and open flames away from combustible and flammable materials

2)   Practice good housekeeping. Dispose scraps materials before they become fire hazards

3)   Always keep chemicals in their original containers.

4)   Always read the labels on chemical containers before using. All labels give safe handling procedures.

5)   Cover live electrical panels. Observe safe electrical practices.

6)   Do not touch hot objects without gloves.

7)   Use caution when pouring hot liquids.

8)   Even prolonged exposure to detergents (especially the industrial ones) can burn your skin. Wash your hands properly

9)   While working under sun, use sun hats or face caps to protect your skin

10) Do not expose yourself unnecessarily the sunlight

11)  While in cooking areas or kitchen, be sure of hot pots, kettles, surfaces and anything that may cause incidents.

Burns occur off the job too. Keep children away from matches, cooking stoves, iron boxes, etc. Do not allow them to operate hot water taps.

Remember, if it can go wrong, it will.

Even if the burns are cured, the scar left behind will be a reminder for you for the rest of your life. Do not be reminded of your unsafe acts.

These are the views of an HSE Specialist