Burn First Aid

Burns from torches, hot asphalt, steam, chemicals and electricity are common on jobsites. What you do in the first few minutes affects how bad the injury becomes.

Heat (thermal) burns

  1. Stop the burning: remove the person from the heat source; “stop, drop and roll” for clothing on fire.
  2. Cool the burn with cool running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. Don’t use ice, butter or ointments.
  3. Remove rings, watches and tight clothing near the burn before swelling starts, but don’t pull off clothing stuck to the skin.
  4. Cover loosely with a clean, dry dressing or plastic wrap.
  5. For hot asphalt or tar: cool with water, but don’t try to peel it off. Get medical care.

Chemical burns

  1. Brush off dry chemicals first (wearing gloves).
  2. Flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Use the emergency shower or eyewash. See Eyewash.
  3. Remove contaminated clothing while flushing.
  4. Check the SDS and bring it to the doctor.

Electrical burns

  1. Don’t touch the person until the power is off.
  2. Call 911. Electrical burns often look small but cause serious internal damage and heart problems.
  3. Start CPR if they aren’t breathing. See CPR.

Call 911 for burns that are large, deep, on the face, hands, feet, groin or joints, any electrical or chemical burn to the eyes, or if the person has trouble breathing (smoke inhalation).

Standards & references

Last updated: