Preventing Gasoline Burn Injuries

1. Preventing Gasoline Burn Injuries American Burn Association Burn Prevention Committee

2. Preventing Gasoline Burn Injuries • The following topics will be addressed: • Who are the victims of gasoline burns? • What are the primary causes of gasoline burns? • What steps can be taken to prevent gas burns? • What first aid steps should be taken for exposure to gasoline?

3. Objectives • Describe the uses of gasoline as the mechanism of burns • Describe the severity of burn injuries caused by gasoline • Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate first aid for gasoline-related injuries • List burn prevention strategies

4. The Human and Property Cost of Gasoline-Related Burns Each Year: • Over 6,000 gasoline-related home fires • Approximately 500 gasoline-related deaths • Nearly $500 million in direct property damage from structural and vehicular fires • Thousands of injuries requiring emergency room treatment and/or hospitalization Source: National Fire Protection Association

5. High Risk • Occupational • farming, mechanics, yard maintenance, equipment operations • Sports • boating, personal water craft • Recreational • grilling, camping • Summer • decrease in winter, except for burns associated with priming carburetors

6. Facts… • Flammables are gases and/or liquids that can burn, release vapors, or explode at close to room temperature • Such products include gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, propane and natural gas • These products are readily available and routinely used in most households

7. Facts... • Gasoline produces ignitable vapors that are 3 to 4 times heavier than air • These vapors can travel long distances on the ground • Pilot lights, open flames or electrical sparks can create ignition sources

8. Flammable Liquids* * A flammable liquid is a liquid with a flash point below 100o F. ** Air has a vapor density of 1. Substances with a vapor density >1 are heavier than air.

9. Combustible Liquids* * A combustible liquid is a liquid with a flash point above 100o F.

10. Gasoline Overexposure • Skin (prolonged contact) • burns • rash • Respiratory • cough • slow and shallow breathing • Gastrointestinal • nausea and vomiting • Eyes • irritation and burning

11. Gasoline Overexposure • Heart and blood vessels • rapid heartbeat • vasoconstriction • Nervous system • dizziness • unconsciousness • Body as a whole • fever • weakness • convulsions • burning sensations

12. Prevention of Gasoline Burns • Gasoline-related injuries are preventable by: • proper usage • proper storage • proper transportation

13. Proper Usage • Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area • Use only approved siphoning devices--not your mouth • Never prime a carburetor with gasoline • Use only approved starting fluids • Start grills with fuels labeled as charcoal starters • Use approved containers and proper filling techniques

14. Grilling Tips • Use only approved lighter/starter fluids • After soaking coals with starter fluid • wait a minute before lighting • allow vapors to dissipate • Avoid spilling starter fluid on clothing or in areas surrounding grill • Never add starter fluid to warm or hot coals

15. Grilling Tips • Propane and natural gas grills • open the valve only 1/4 to 1/2 turn before lighting • check all connections carefully • keep lid open when starting the grill • store propane bottles in well ventilated areas away from the house and from potential flame sources

16. Portable Gasoline Containers • Uniform Fire Code approves one and two gallon metal or plastic containers for Class I-A flammable liquids • tight fitting cap for both spout and vent • predominantly red in color and properly labeled, “GASOLINE”

17. Approved container will display one of the following: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Best containers have flame arrestor or pressure-release valves grounded metal containers provide protection against fires by static electricity Containers

18. Static Electricity • Dissipate electrical charge by: • placing the container on the ground • keeping the dispenser nozzle in contact with container • fueling slowly when container can’t be placed on the ground

19. Filling Procedures For Portable Containers • Fill slowly • In areas using nozzle sleeves • compress sleeve with one hand and control nozzle valve with the other • Only fill to 95% of container capacity • this allows for gasoline expansion • Filling location should be at least five (5) feet from engine or power equipment

20. Proper Storage • Store in cool and well-ventilated area away from any source of heat or sparks • Store in shed away from house or habitable structures • Keep gasoline locked up when not in use • Have Class B type extinguisher located near gasoline storage area • Keep out of reach of children

21. Proper Transportation • Use approved container • Wipe container to remove residue after filling • dispose of gas soaked rags in proper receptacle • Do not leave container exposed to sun • In a car, keep trunk ajar for ventilation • In truck, secure to prevent sliding or tipping • Transport only for short distances

22. Burns • Functions of the skin • Depth of burn • Emergency care

23. Functions of the Skin • Prevention of infection • Protection • Temperature regulation • Sensation • Appearance

24. Skin Anatomy

25. Burn Characteristics • Superficial (First-Degree) Burn • causes: sunburn, minor scalds • heals in 3-5 days with no scarring • Characteristics • minor damage to the skin • pink to red • painful • skin is dry without blisters

26. Flash Burns

27. Burn Characteristics • Partial-Thickness (Second-Degree) Burn • damages, but does not destroy, top two layers of skin • heals in 10-21 days • Characteristics • skin: moist, wet and weepy • blisters present • bright pink to red

28. Partial thickness / second degree

29. Burn Characteristics • Full-Thickness (Third-Degree) Burn • destroys all layers of the skin • may involve fat, muscle or bone • will require skin grafts • Characteristics • bright red • dry--no blisters • waxy white • tan or brown • insensate

30. Partial and full thickness

31. Airway Injury

32. Emergency Burn Care • Primary Survey • Airway • Breathing • Circulation • Secondary Survey • Head to toe

33. Emergency Burn Care • History • Immediate measures to save a life • Cool • Cover • Carry

34. First Aid for Gasoline Exposure • Remove victim from any flame source • Dial 911 or other emergency number to start emergency medical assistance • If swallowed: DO NOT induce vomiting • Eyes: Blot chemical and flush with water • Skin: Remove clothing, shoes and jewelry • Flush with running water for 20-30 minutes

35. Gasoline Sniffing (“Huffing”) • Gasoline sniffing (“huffing”) is a popular form of solvent abuse for young children and adolescents • age 5-11: gradually increases in this age group • age 11-14: increases further • peaks at age 15

36. Gasoline Sniffing (“Huffing”) • Can result in euphoria, unsteady walk, and confusion • High risk of burn injury or death • gasoline spilled on clothing • contact with ignition source • unable to extinguish flames or escape due to altered sensorium

37. Conclusion • Gasoline should neverbe used as: • a solvent • a cleaning solution • an accelerant • an insecticide • a weed killer • a weapon • a fuel in devices designed for other fuels, such as kerosene

38. Conclusion Gasoline-Related Burns Are Preventable!