EMG/General/TBT-EMG-014

Burns Emergency Response

Emergency Preparedness › General › Burns Emergency Response

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Burns on construction sites result from hot works, chemical contact, electrical incidents, and steam or hot water.
Burns are classified by depth: superficial (first degree), partial thickness (second), and full thickness (third).
Chemical burns from cement, lime, acids, and solvents require different first aid treatment than thermal burns.
Electrical burns often cause deep internal tissue damage that is not visible on the skin surface.
Immediate cooling with clean running water for a minimum of 20 minutes is critical for thermal burns.
Burns covering more than 1% of body area (roughly the size of the casualty's palm) require hospital treatment.
Airway burns from inhaling hot gases or fumes are life-threatening and require immediate emergency services.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require adequate first aid provision including burns treatment.
Burns first aiders must not apply creams, ointments, ice, or adhesive dressings to burn injuries.
Shock is a serious secondary risk with major burns — keep the casualty warm and monitor vital signs.

Save lives	Correct immediate first aid for burns significantly reduces tissue damage, infection risk, and long-term scarring.
Time critical	Cooling within the first 20 minutes dramatically improves burn outcomes — delayed treatment worsens injury.
Multiple burn types	Construction sites produce thermal, chemical, and electrical burns, each requiring specific first aid responses.

Don't

Cool thermal burns immediately with clean running water for a minimum of 20 minutes
Call emergency services for burns larger than the casualty's palm or to face and airway
Remove clothing and jewellery near the burn unless stuck to the skin surface
Cover the cooled burn loosely with cling film or a sterile non-adhesive dressing
Flush chemical burns with large volumes of clean water for at least 20 minutes
Monitor the casualty for signs of shock including pale skin and rapid breathing
Keep the casualty warm using a blanket or foil sheet while cooling the burn area
Note the time, cause, and area of the burn to relay to emergency medical services
Check the casualty's airway if they were in a fire or exposed to hot fumes
Ensure first aid kits include burns dressings and cling film for immediate treatment

DON'T apply ice, butter, creams, or toothpaste to any burn injury on site
DON'T burst blisters — they protect the underlying tissue from infection
DON'T remove clothing that is stuck to the burn — leave it for medical professionals
DON'T use adhesive plasters or fluffy dressings directly on burn surfaces
DON'T delay cooling — start running water on the burn within seconds of the injury
DON'T underestimate electrical burns — internal damage is often far worse than visible
DON'T give the casualty anything to eat or drink if the burn may require surgery
DON'T wrap burns tightly — use loose cling film to avoid restricting swelling
DON'T ignore airway burns — hoarseness, soot around the nose, or difficulty breathing are emergencies
DON'T move a severely burned casualty unnecessarily — wait for emergency services to arrive

See also: Medical Emergency Response | Chemical Spill Response

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