Preventing Gasoline Burn Injuries American Burn Association Burn Prevention Committee

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prevention of Gasoline Burns Gasoline-related injuries are preventable by: –proper usage –proper storage –proper transportation

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

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

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

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”

Containers 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

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

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

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

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

Burns Functions of the skin Depth of burn Emergency care

Functions of the Skin Prevention of infection Protection Temperature regulation Sensation Appearance

Skin Anatomy

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

Flash Burns

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

Partial thickness / second degree

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

Partial and full thickness

Airway Injury

Emergency Burn Care Primary Survey –Airway –Breathing –Circulation Secondary Survey –Head to toe

Emergency Burn Care History Immediate measures to save a life –Cool –Cover –Carry

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 minutes

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

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

Conclusion Gasoline should never be 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

Conclusion Gasoline-Related Burns Are Preventable!