Reprinted from the ACJ - November, 1999
What do Hydrochloric Acid, welding slag, a frayed extension cord and an out of town customer all have in common? They are all irritating...no. They are all hanging out in your shop right now...well maybe. They all have the potential to burn you...yeah, that's it. Burns occur in many forms; chemical, thermal, electrical, financial. Although the methodology of each injury is different, the resulting pain is similar. Chemical, thermal and electrical burns may effect any part of your body, both internal and external. Financial burns normally occur in the wallet area.
Burn hazards can be deceptive. Bottles of chemicals and electrical cords don't look hot. Of course neither did that recently soldered header/core unit you just picked up, then dropped. Clutching your hand as Bob says "Oh yeah, be careful that's hot".
Since burn hazards are sneaky, we try to be proactive. Fix electrical problems as they occur. Wear gloves, goggles and aprons when handling corrosive materials. Demand cash from questionable customers. And tell Bob to say something before you broil your hand. But, the truth is all of us are going to get burned at some time. Assessment and treatment of a burn depends on several factors; burn depth, burn size, and burn location.
The depth of tissue damage resulting from a burn is described as it's "degree"; 1st, 2nd, 3rd and chapter 11. First degree burns are superficial and show up as redness and swelling. Common sunburn is one example. They can be treated with topical ointments such as aloe vera. Second degree burns appear similar to 1st degree except that the damaged area is deeper and blistering usually occurs. Keeping the area clean becomes more important because of the potential for infection. Antiseptic ointment and clean bandages are employed. Do cool the burn but don't freeze it. Never use butter on a burn. Wash the area but don't break the blisters.
Third degree burns are those that cause tissue death. The area will look white or perhaps charred (if you like yours medium-well). Nerve death occurs, so the associated pain may be minimal, at least at first. All 3rd degree burns should be treated by a doctor. Infection, nerve damage and internal swelling are major concerns.
The area affected by the burn is the second factor to consider. We have all heard, while watching the news, "He had 3rd degree burns over 35 % of his body". The area affected is important because our skin acts as "Plastic Wrap" for our bodies, keeping disease out. Infection, both external and internal, can be dangerous. Also, burns that effect more than 15 percent of the body's skin area can induce "shock" in the victim.
Location of the burn is the third consideration in treatment and is often the most important factor. Burned tissue responds by flooding the area with fluids, causing swelling. As opposed to the financially burned that usually flood the area with lawyers. If that area involves the nose, mouth, throat or lungs, obstruction and suffocation can occur. Support of the victim's airway may be necessary to avoid this. Badly burned, dying tissue, aka "Necrotic tissue", shrinks. This shrinkage may also result in constriction of an airway or restriction of blood flow. Doctors sometimes cut the burned tissue to relieve the tightness.
Immediate first aid for major burns include removal of jewelry and clothing from the area, if doing so does not remove skin as well. Cover the area with clean gauze. Support the victim's breathing if necessary and dial 911. Remember, as time passes, swelling and shock increase so don't waste time if the burn covers a large area, shows signs of being third degree, or involves the head, neck or eyes.
Chemical burns are treated slightly differently. Flush the affected area for 15 minutes with clean water to remove the chemical. Remove any chemical soaked clothing. Never try to neutralize the chemical (don't put a base on an acid burn). This will cause heat and you may get a thermal burn as well. Minor chemical burns usually heal just fine, but if the burn looks 2nd or 3rd degree, or if the eyes or internal body parts are involved, head for the doctor. Be sure to take along the MSDS for the chemical so the doctor knows what he is up against.
Electrical burns require special attention. Often the burned tissue is not visible. Muscles and nerves can break down. Electrolyte balances can be disrupted, and kidney damage can occur. Be careful when responding to an electrical burn situation. The victim may still be "plugged in". Take care to remove the burn source without exposing any one else to contact. Because of the hidden effects of electricity all substantial electrical burns should be assessed by a doctor.
Anticipating dangers and protecting ourselves from, thermal, electrical and chemical burns should be our first line of defense in the back shop, while checking credit ratings can protect us in the accounting office. If we are careful, we may be able to avoid ointments, wraps, doctors and lawyers. Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, shame on me.
The above article was written by David M. Brown, Chief Engineer of Johnson Manufacturing Company, Inc. and is published by JOHNSON with the expressed approval of the National Automotive Radiator Service Association and the Automotive Cooling Journal. Other reproduction or distribution of this information is forbidden without the written consent of JOHNSON and NARSA/ACJ. All rights reserved.
JOHNSON MANUFACTURING COMPANY
114 Lost Grove Road / PO Box 96 / Princeton, Iowa 52768-0096
Phone 563-289-5123 or Fax 563-289-3825