national burn awareness week 3-9 february.

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February 3-9 is National Burn Awareness Week. This event is sponsored by the

Shriners Hospitals for Children, with this year's focus on preventing gasoline

burns.

Most gasoline injuries are preventable if gas is properly used and safely

stored. Here are some helpful gasoline safety tips from the American Burn

Association that you can use to train your employees to handle gas with care:

* Don't smoke or use matches, lighters, or other ignition sources anywhere

around gas. And remember that gas vapors can travel far from gas containers in

enclosed areas.

* Use gasoline only in well-ventilated areas.

* Turn off equipment and let cool before filling the gas tank.

* Never use gasoline to start charcoal on a grill-use proper charcoal starter.

* Never use gas as a cleaning fluid or solvent-or to clean your hands.

* Don't store gas cans in your vehicle.

* Store gas in approved containers, in a cool, well-ventilated area (for

example, in a shed or garage but never in the house), and only keep a minimum

amount on hand.

* Never use glass or plastic bottles for gasoline storage.

If Someone Gets Burned

Burns, whether from gasoline or some other source, can be painful and sometimes

need medical attention. The American Burn Association recommends seeking medical

attention for:

* Burns to the face, hands, feet, genital area, or major joints (knees, elbows,

shoulders)

* Chemical and electrical burns

* Burns that cover a large area

Minor burns can usually be treated with first aid on the job or at home by

flushing the area with cool water for a few minutes and covering it with sterile

dressing from a first-aid kit. Don't apply ointment, salves, creams, or ice to

burns, and never break blisters.

Even Breathing Gas Fumes Can Be Harmful

Gasoline can also be a health hazard if you inhale concentrated fumes for too

long or get it on your skin. Symptoms of overexposure to gas vapors include:

* Respiratory problems such as coughing and trouble breathing

* Rash from skin contact with gasoline

* Irritation or burning in the eyes from gas splashes

* Dizziness

* Weakness, numbness in arms and legs, or burning sensation

* Rapid heart beat

* Nausea or vomiting

If an employee experiences any symptoms from inhaling gas vapors, he or she

should get to fresh air immediately. If symptoms persist, the employee should

seek medical treatment right away. If an employee becomes unconscious from

breathing gas vapors, co-workers should call emergency immediately.

for the public interest

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