Running Head: How to Avoid Burns as Process Technician.

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Running Head: How to Avoid Burns as Process Technician.

How to Avoid Burns as a Process Technician.

Burn injuries account for more than 300,000 deaths annually across the world account for
over 40,000 hospitalizations annually in the USA. Workplace burns are a substantial economic
and social threat to the community, families, and individuals. Most burns occur at home
followed by workplace burns. Burns are tissue harm that comes from warmth, overexposure to
the sun or other radiation, or substance or electrical contact. Burns can be minor therapeutic
issues or dangerous crises. Professionals work in an assortment of settings. This setting maybe;
emergency clinics, synthetic generation, and pharmaceuticals may contain numerous particular
risks which specialists must know about. The key element of the safe workplace of employees is
ensuring fire safety (Mian, 2011). This article is going to give a detailed description of types of
burns and how to avoid burns as a process technician.
Types of Workplace Burns.
Research indicates that workplace burn injuries predominantly occur at workplaces with
chemicals and scalds being the leading causes. Factors contributing to fire burns include; failure
to implement safety regulations, inexperience, inadequate training, and non-compliance by
employees.
Frictional Burns.
These are the types of burns that occur when skin is wrapped against a rough or hard
surface. Most of these burns are minor, they occur and heal on their own within a short period of
time.
Radiological Burns.
This is burns resulting from radiant light energy, microwaves, x-rays, or ionizing nuclear
radiation.
Chemical Burns.
This is as a result of contact between the chemical and alkaloids, strong acid, corrosive,
or caustic materials that could burn away our skin or deeper tissue. In the work environment,
these mishaps can happen after the presentation to mechanical cleaners, (for example, rust
removers or channel cleaners), chemicals s in research centers or assembling work environments.
Prevention: A standout amongst the most ideal approaches to counteract compound consumes is
to ensure all specialists are knowledgeable in Hazard Communication, which covers the images
and marks that will impart concoction chance. These names will likewise incorporate the
imperative data on the means specialists can take to anticipate consumes on the off chance that
they come into contact with unsafe chemicals. Specialists who will come into contact with
synthetics ought to consider Hazard Communication preparing and ought to likewise take
supplemental classes as these norms can be refreshed regularly.
Thermal Burns.
These types of burns are caused by open flames, heat from liquids, explosions, and hot
objects. The most important activity with regards to thermal burns is being able to control the
process of burning. Prevention; This can be possible by wearing personal fire protective
Running Head: How to Avoid Burns as Process Technician.

equipment, using tactics for fire prevention, and by having a risk management plan against
detection and protection against fire.
Sun Burns.
Sun exposure is a special type of thermal burn. Prevention; Individuals working under the sun
should be aware of sun safety practices that will guarantee their safety and should make efforts to
reduce the number of hours of exposure to direct sun, seek shade, and wear protective attire i.e.
sunscreen, hats, to reduce the risk of sunburns as a result of their rate of exposure.
Electrical Burns.
When current travel through the body and meet resistance from tissue, it results in heat or
burns injuries. Prevention; to ensure that these types of burns are avoided, areas with high
voltages and machinery has to be marked clearly. Workers should also be cautioned against
touching live wires, avoiding wet surfaces when dealing with electricity, and wear protective
gear necessary to avoid electrical burns.
How to Avoid Fire Burns as a Process Technician.
Initial Training and refresher training.
This is the most important step an organization can take (Thomas, 2012). Training should
include both hazards that an employer might encounter in their workplace and the OSHA
standards and identification of the causative agents of fire. Safety training is the best way to
guarantee safety in the workplace. An organization should also ensure that employees are trained
based on their specific job functions including safety training when handling chemicals,
machinery, electricity or any other hazardous agent (Dahal, 2017).
Hazard Communication.
Signs, labels, color codes, and posters can be used to warn employees about the exposure and
the danger of the exposure. Hazard communication is very essential with regards to fire
prevention. Moreover, workers can also undergo training on how to recognize this hazard
communication codes. In cases where a firm uses chemicals, it is always a requirement that they
draft a hazard communication plan.
Thermal.
The following measures can be considered to prevent workplace burns.
 Reduce contact or exposure to hot surfaces, hot liquids, or flames.
 Keep sparks and open flames away from flammable or combustible materials.
 Wearing flame resistant clothing (asbestos) at the workplace.
 Ensure line breaking procedures are followed before work begins to ensure pipes are not
damaged.
In case of explosions, maintain a safe distance. If clothing is on fire, roll to extinguish flames.
Chemical.
Ensure proper storage and handling of chemicals according to the directions and labels
provided, read the chemical labels and SDS. However, it is important to appropriate protective
Running Head: How to Avoid Burns as Process Technician.

clothing when handling these chemicals. This may also include providing adequate first aid
procedures and knowing how to deal with burns from specific chemicals used within the
designation (Fridlund, 1987)..
Electrical Burns.
When dealing with electricity it is important to wear protective clothing, know electrical
sources at the workplace, know proper clearance distance from powerlines, mark overhead
cables and provide adequate information to operators. It is also important to;
 Make the scene safe, do not approach an injured person carelessly until power is turned
off.
 Seek immediate medical attention.
 Stay inside machinery in contact with power lines until it is clear to move out in case of
contact.
Conclusion.
The most common methods that have been used by manufacturers to prevent exposure
includes personal protective equipment, environmental control, training, safe work practices, and
good housekeeping. Safe work practices include employee training and written procedure. When
the above methods are not used, a process technician should consider using protection and safety
equipment. Under the laws of OHS, employers have an obligation with regards to the provision
of a safe workplace. Any working environment with a danger that could create burn injuries must
attempt a hazard distinguishing proof and evaluation procedure, and afterward actualize control
measures to shield staff from the hazards (Queensland, 2011).
Running Head: How to Avoid Burns as Process Technician.

Reference.
Dahal, P. (2017). Investing on Occupational Safety and Health. International Journal Of
Occupational Safety And Health, 7(1), 1. doi: 10.3126/ijosh.v7i1.22758
Fridlund, L. (1987). Safety-health and working conditions. Stockholm: Joint Industrial Safety
Council.
Mian, M. A., Mullins, R. F., Alam, B., Brandigi, C., Friedman, B. C., Shaver, J. R., & Hassan, Z.
(2011). Workplace-related burns. Annals of burns and fire disasters, 24(2), 89-93.
Queensland, G. (2019). How to manage work health and safety risks. Code Of Conduct 2011.
Thomas, C. (2012). Process technology. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Publishing.