Burns & burn first aid in the workplace

Common causes of burns in the workplace

• Hot liquids
• Flames such as from a welding torch
• Chemicals such as cleaners or acids
• Electrical burns
• Radiation burns
• Thermal burn
• Touching of hot surfaces

Tips to prevent burns in the workplace

• Wear proper safety gear when working with hot liquids, flames, or chemicals. This includes gloves, aprons, and face shields.
• Avoid contact with hot surfaces.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.

First aid for burns

• Remove rings, watches and jewellery from the burned area if you can, and remove wet clothing that is not stuck to the burn. Do not peel off clothing that is stuck.
• Cool the burn with cool running water for at least 20 minutes, starting as soon as possible (cooling can still help if started up to 3 hours after the burn).
• Do not use ice, as this can cause further damage to the skin.
• After cooling the burn, cover the area with a sterile, non-stick bandage or wrap. If you do not have a sterile bandage, you can use a clean cloth.
• Once the burn is covered, elevate the area to reduce swelling.
• Burns can also become infected, so it is important to keep the area clean and dry.
• Do not apply lotions, ointments, creams or powders to the burn, and do not break blisters.

If the pain is severe or the burn is on your face or a large part of your body, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What to do if there is a fire in the workplace

• Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small and you know what you are doing
• Evacuate the area immediately and call 000.
• If you are unable to evacuate, stay low to the ground and cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
• If a person is on fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll to smother the flames.

Preventing fires in the workplace

• Maintain a clean and organised work area
• Use proper storage techniques for flammable liquids and gasses
• Keep electrical equipment in good working order
• If you smoke, always use a designated smoking area and make sure to properly dispose of your cigarette butt. Never smoke near flammable liquids or electrical equipment.
• Have a fire safety plan in place and conduct regular fire drills. Employees should know what to do in the event of a fire, and everyone should be familiar with the layout of the building so that they can evacuate quickly and safely.
• Ensure you have the correct type of fire extinguisher for your workplace and that it is in good working order and within its expiration date

Burns can be painful and scary, but it is important to know how to properly treat them. However, the best thing you can do is follow these tips to prevent burns from occuring in the first place.

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