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
Best containers
following:
– have flame arrestor or pressure-release valves
– American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
– grounded metal containers provide protection against
– Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
fires by static electricity
– Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
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 • Characteristics
(First-Degree) Burn – minor damage to the
– causes: sunburn, minor skin
scalds – pink to red
– heals in 3-5 days with – painful
no scarring – skin is dry without
blisters
Flash Burns
Burn Characteristics

• Partial-Thickness • Characteristics
(Second-Degree) Burn – skin: moist, wet and
– damages, but does not weepy
destroy, top two layers – blisters present
of skin – bright pink to red
– heals in 10-21 days
Partial thickness / second degree
Burn Characteristics

• Full-Thickness • Characteristics
(Third-Degree) Burn – bright red
– destroys all layers of – dry--no blisters
the skin – waxy white
– may involve fat, – tan or brown
muscle or bone – insensate
– will require skin grafts
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!