Occupational Specialism: Gas Engineering K1.1 Typical hazards and risks associated with working with gas systems and how these can be mitigated PowerPoint 1.1g: Burns Objectives By the end of this session, you should be able to: Define what
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Presentation Transcript
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Occupational Specialism: Gas Engineering
K1.1 Typical hazards and risks associated with working with gas systems and how these can be mitigated
PowerPoint 1.1g: Burns<br>
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Objectives By the end of this session, you should be able to:
Define what constitutes a burn.
Explain the appropriate treatment for burns.
Outline the necessary steps to take in the event of a severe burn.<br>
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Burns In the gas engineering industry, we handle open flames and hot surfaces, which present health and safety hazards to both ourselves and those around us. It is crucial that we take the right actions when someone experiences a burn, no matter how trivial it may appear.
Burns and scalds refer to skin damage typically caused by heat, and they are treated similarly.
A burn results from dry heat, like that from an iron or fire, whereas a scald is caused by wet heat, such as hot water or steam.<br>
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Managing burns Burns, no matter how serious, need immediate attention.
It is crucial to halt the burning process without delay. This could involve moving the individual away from the source, extinguishing flames with water, or covering the flames with a blanket. However, ensure that you do not put yourself in danger of sustaining burns in the process.<br>
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Dealing with burns Remove any clothing or jewellery from around the burned skin, but do not attempt to take off anything that is adhered to the burn, as this may lead to further injury.
Immediately cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes following the injury. Avoid using ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances such as butter.<br>
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Dealing with burns Ensure that you or the affected individual remains warm. Use a blanket or additional layers of clothing but refrain from applying them directly to the burned area.
Maintaining warmth is crucial to prevent hypothermia, which occurs when body temperature falls below 35°C (95°F). This is particularly important when cooling a large burn area, especially in young children and the elderly.<br>
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Dealing with burns Place cling film over the burn, making sure to lay it across the area instead of wrapping it around a limb. For burns on the hand, a clean, transparent plastic bag can be an alternative.
To alleviate pain from the burn, consider taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines when using any over-the-counter medications. Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16.
If feasible, elevate the injured area. This can assist in minimising swelling.<br>
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When to go to hospital? Once you have taken these steps, decide if further medical treatment is necessary. Go to A&E for:
Large burns (bigger than the person’s hand) or deep burns causing white or charred skin.
Burns on critical areas: face, neck, hands, feet, joints, or genitals.
All chemical or electrical burns.
Signs of shock (cold, clammy skin, sweating, rapid breathing, weakness/dizziness) or other serious injuries.<br>
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When to go to hospital? It is important to seek medical attention if you or the individual who has suffered burns:
is younger than 10 years old
has an existing health issue, such as heart, lung, or liver disease, or diabetes
has a compromised immune system, which may be due to conditions like HIV or AIDS, or as a result of undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.<br>
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When to go to hospital? Individuals who have inhaled smoke or fumes should seek medical assistance at a hospital.
Symptoms may not appear immediately and can include:
coughing
a sore throat
trouble breathing
singed nasal hair
burns on the face.<br>
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Electrical burns Electrical burns might appear minor, yet they can cause significant harm. It is crucial for anyone with an electrical burn to receive prompt medical care at an A&E department.
For injuries caused by a low-voltage source (up to 220 to 240 volts), like household electricity, make sure to safely turn off the power or remove the individual from the electrical source using a non-conductive material, such as a wooden stick or chair.
Avoid approaching anyone who is in contact with a high-voltage source (1,000 volts or more).<br>
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Chemical burns Acid and chemical burns can cause significant harm and need urgent medical care at an Accident & Emergency department.
If you can, identify the chemical responsible for the burn and inform the healthcare staff at A&E. When assisting someone else, wear suitable protective gear, like gloves, and then:
Take off any clothing that has been contaminated
If the chemical is dry, gently brush it off their skin
Rinse the affected area with running water to eliminate any remnants of the chemical.<br>
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You should now be able to:
Define what constitutes a burn.
Explain the appropriate treatment for burns.
Outline the necessary steps to take in the event of a severe burn. Summary<br>
