Preventing Chemical Burns: Protecting Your Workforce

Chemical burns are a serious hazard in the workplace. The results for such burns can potentially cause permanent significant harm, or even death if proper precautions are not taken. Therefore, it’s imperative to head the warning signs of chemical safety in the workplace and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken.

Today, the experts at Durable Safety Signs are going to talk about the hazards of chemical burns, common causes, and best practices to help create a safer work environment and protect employees from these painful and potentially life-threatening injuries.

The Danger of Chemical Burns

Chemical burns occur when a person comes into contact with corrosive substances. These can occur on the skin, eyes, or internal organs through exposed cuts or ingestion. Unlike thermal burns, which are caused by heat, chemical burns result from the tissue-damaging reactions of acids, bases, or other toxic chemicals.

The severity of these burns can range from mild irritation to deep tissue damage, which can lead to long-term health issues or even death. One of the most alarming aspects of chemical burns is that the damage may not be immediately apparent. In some cases, symptoms develop gradually, which can delay necessary medical treatment.

This delayed response can result in more severe injury and complicate recovery. Additionally, inhaling or ingesting harmful chemicals can cause internal burns, affecting the respiratory system, digestive tract, or other organs, making chemical burns particularly dangerous.

What are the symptoms of chemical burns?

Depending on where exposure to chemicals occur, the specific effects of them may change. Luckily, the Cleveland Clinic provides a great list of potential symptoms to watch out for.

Chemical burns on your skin may cause:

• Blisters or scabs
• Cracked, dry skin
• Peeling skin
• Skin discoloration
• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling

Chemical burns in your eyes may cause:

• Blurry vision
• Eyelid swelling
• Pain
• Redness
• Stinging or burning
• Watery eyes
• Blindness (in severe cases)

Chemical burns from ingestion (swallowing) may cause:

• Chest pain
• Cough
• Difficulty speaking (dysphonia)
• Drooling
• Hoarseness
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Nausea and vomiting, or vomiting blood
• Pain in your mouth or throat (especially when swallowing)
• Perforations (holes) in your stomach, esophagus (the tube connecting your stomach and throat) or cornea (the outermost lens of your eye)
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Upper airway swelling (edema)
• Common Chemicals that Cause Burns

Burns can happen in a variety of ways, often unexpectedly, making vigilance and adherence to safety protocols essential. A study by StatPearls, hosted on the National Library of Medicine showcases some of the most common causes of chemical burns in the workplace:

Acids: Sulfuric, nitric, hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, acetic acid, formic, phosphoric, phenols, and chloroacetic acid

Bases: Sodium and potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium and calcium hypochlorite, ammonia, phosphates, silicated, sodium carbonate, lithium hydride

Oxidants: Bleaches like chlorites used in the home, peroxides, chromates, magnates

Common Causes of Chemical Burns

Chemical burns can occur in a variety of workplace settings, especially in industries that use or manufacture chemicals. Some of the most common causes include:

Failure to Post Warnings: Without proper warnings in place to denote any possible hazards, workers may not be able to react accordingly to chemical presences. At the top level, this can lead to all of the other causes as listed below.

Spills and Splashes: Accidental spills or splashes of corrosive chemicals onto the skin or into the eyes are among the most common causes of chemical burns. This can happen during handling, mixing, or transferring chemicals.

Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Failing to wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, goggles, or protective clothing, can leave workers vulnerable to chemical exposure.

Improper Storage: Storing chemicals improperly can lead to leaks, spills, or unintended reactions, increasing the risk of burns. For example, storing incompatible chemicals together can result in dangerous reactions that produce heat, toxic fumes, or explosions.

Inhalation of Fumes: Breathing in fumes from corrosive chemicals can cause internal chemical burns to the respiratory system. This is particularly hazardous in poorly ventilated areas.

Faulty Equipment: Equipment malfunctions, such as leaking containers or broken pipes, can result in the unintended release of chemicals, leading to burns.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Chemical Burns

Preventing chemical burns requires a proactive approach that includes proper training, the use of protective equipment, and adherence to safety protocols. Here are some key measures to help prevent chemical burns in the workplace:

Utilizing Safety Signage: Don’t let your safety fall by the wayside. Including clear and visible signs to denote danger levels, chemical presences, and any restrictions to an area are imperative to keep your team safe and informed in the workplace.

Proper Training: Ensure all employees are trained in chemical safety, including the correct handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances. Training should also cover the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and how to respond to spills or exposure incidents.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with the necessary PPE, such as gloves, goggles, face shields, and protective clothing. Regularly inspect and replace PPE to ensure it provides adequate protection.

Safe Chemical Storage: Store chemicals in clearly labeled, compatible containers and keep them in designated storage areas away from incompatible substances. Ensure that all storage areas are well-ventilated and equipped with spill containment measures.

Emergency Preparedness: Install emergency eyewash stations and safety showers in areas where chemicals are used or stored. Make sure workers know their locations and how to use them in case of an exposure incident.

Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of equipment, storage facilities, and work areas to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to accidents.

Engineering Controls: Implement engineering controls, such as ventilation systems, fume hoods, or automated chemical handling equipment, to minimize direct exposure to hazardous chemicals.

First Aid Readiness: Ensure that first aid kits are readily available and stocked with supplies for treating chemical burns. Workers should be trained in basic first aid procedures for chemical injuries.

Conclusion

Preventing chemical burns is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. By understanding the dangers, recognizing common causes, and implementing robust preventative measures, employers can significantly reduce the risk of chemical burns and protect their employees from harm. Prioritizing chemical safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a moral responsibility to ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.