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*

Substance Flash Point Vapor Density**

Gasoline -45o F (-43C) 3-4

Ethanol 55o F 1.6

Methanol 52o F. 1.1

Turpentine 95o F. 4.8

* 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.

Combustible Liquids*

Substance Flash Point Vapor Density

Kerosene 100o F. 4.5

Diesel Fuel 125o F. >1

Safety Solvent 100 - 140o F. 4.8

Paint Thinner 105o F. 4.9

* A combustible liquid is a liquid with a flash point above 100o 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 10-21 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 20-30 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!