Laboratory researchers put themselves in a dangerous work environment every day. Despite the safety gear provided to them, they are always at risk of various physical, chemical, and biological hazards. These risks arise from the spread of toxic fumes in the air, unexpected fires and explosions, absorption of chemicals in the skin, cuts to the skin, chemicals, radiation, and fire burns.

While all hazards can be equally painful and harmful to the victim, the pain and effects of burns can last a lifetime. If you are a laboratory researcher or deal with fire, radiation, or chemicals at the workplace, equipping yourself with the knowledge to provide first aid for burns can be very helpful.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at how to identify the type and degree of burns and provide first aid so you can experience and provide enhanced laboratory safety:

How to Identify the Type of Burn

In a research laboratory, the types of burns occurring commonly include:

  • Radiation burns– burns caused by prolonged exposure to radiation sources such as X-rays or ultraviolet rays
  • Thermal burns– burns from fire or other heat sources
  • Chemical burns– burns experienced due to chemicals like acids and alkalis

The first step to enhance laboratory safety is simple, as the type of burn can be easily identified by asking the burn victim or observing what led to the burn. However, confirming the cause of the burn from the burn victim or a witness is essential.

How to Identify the Degree of Burn

Depending on its severity, a burn can be categorized as:

  • First-degree burnsare the mildest. They involve burning the skin’s outer layer, causing it to become red and painful. However, it doesn’t cause any blisters or tissue damage.
  • Second-degree burnsare considerably severe compared to first-degree burns. They destroy the outer layer of the skin and, to some extent, the inner layer. It is characterized by blisters and red, swollen skin, which may appear moist.
  • Third-degree burnsare the most severe form of burns. They damage the outer and inner layers of skin completely, reaching the underlying muscles, bones, and tendons and damaging them to some extent.

Burns that impact the muscles, bones, and tendons to the extent that they result in nerve damage are considered fourth-degree burns. Fourth-degree burns cannot be provided first-aid as they often prove fatal and require immediate specialized burn care. Since most laboratories ensure as much laboratory safety as possible, fourth-degree burns are seldom experienced by laboratory researchers.

Identifying the degree of burn isn’t complicated. However, completing OFA 1 training and OFA 2 training can prove significantly helpful and better prepare you to ensure laboratory safety.

On the other hand, first to third-degree burns can be provided first-aid. Here’s how:

Treating Burns: A Necessary Training for Laboratory Researchers

First-Aid for First and Second-Degree Burns

Enhance laboratory safety by following the following steps as immediate care for first and second-degree burns:

  • If the burn is chemical, help the victim get under the safety shower to cleanse the burn.
  • For thermal and radiation burns, hold the burn under a low-pressure cool, running water to cool it down. This allows the skin to stop burning.
  • If the burn is caused by radiation, mild antibiotic soap can clean the burnt skin.
  • Remove any clothing or accessories from the burned skin. Don’t put any pressure on the burned skin; don’t hesitate to cut tight clothing with scissors if needed.
  • If blisters occur, avoid breaking them. Gently apply a moisturizing lotion and cold press again to soothe the pain. If a blister breaks despite being careful, clean the fluid by dapping clean napkins on the burnt skin. Apply an antibiotic ointment, followed by a moisturizer.
  • Bandage the burn loosely with sterile gauze. Do not use loose cotton, which can get stuck onto the skin.
  • If the burn hurts, an over-the-counter pain medicine can be used.

Treating Burns: A Necessary Training for Laboratory Researchers

First-Aid for Third-Degree Burns

In case of third-degree burns, call for immediate medical help before providing first-aid following the steps:

  • Remove the burn victim from the spot of the accident and ensure they are in a safe space.
  • Check the victim’s breathing. If they are not breathing, perform CPR if you have completed the CPR trainingor OFA 1 training.

*If you are performing CPR, guide your coworkers to perform the rest of the first-aid steps for third-degree burns. If the victim is breathing, move on to the following steps. However, keep an eye on the victim’s breathing and for signs of shock, such as pale complexion, fainting, and shallow breathing, to further enhance laboratory safety.

  • Expose the burned area by removing any clothing or accessories covering it.
  • Cover the burned area using a bandage or clean cloth dampened with cold water.
  • If the burns are on the hands or feet, separate the fingers or toes using a sterile gauze bandage.
  • If possible, raise the burned body part above the heart.
  • In case the burn is caused by a cryogen, place the burned area in warm water.

Don’ts for Burns First-Aid

Besides knowing what to do to provide first-aid for burns, knowing what not to do is equally important to avoid further harm to burn victims. Here are some don’ts for burns first-aid:

  • Don’t touch the burned part. Apply ointment, moisturizer, and bandage with utmost care
  • Don’t rub the burned area
  • Don’t breathe or cough on the burn
  • Don’t apply home remedies, i.e., toothpaste, butter, or ice
  • Don’t offer food or drink to the burn victim
  • Don’t raise their head if the burn is on the neck or throat
  • Don’t forget to call for medical help, especially if the degree of burn is second or higher
  • Don’t leave the burn victim alone until medical help arrives

Ensure Greater Laboratory Safety for Yourself and Your Coworkers

While it is helpful to read and remember what to do and not do when laboratory safety is comprised, and a researcher experiences burns, basic knowledge isn’t always enough. Burn injuries are the most painful of all physical health issues. They also bring long-lasting, sometimes indefinite, emotional and psychological pain caused.

Not receiving first-aid for burns can lead to burning victims experiencing emotional and physical trauma, impairments, and pain at a greater level and may even cast their lives. Therefore, training in first-aid for treating burns laboratory researchers is essential through OFA 1 training and OFA 2 training.

At Metro Safety, we provide all essential workplace safety courses to significantly enhance workplace and laboratory safety by preparing yourself for emergencies. Click here to register for emergency care and first-aid for burns with first aid level 1 Vancouver, first aid level 2 Vancouver, and OFA 3 course BC or other emergency health issues, such as fall arrest training BC, confined space training BC.