Preventing Scalds and Burns in Restaurants

30 Mar Preventing Scalds and Burns in Restaurants

Scald burns, caused by hot liquid or steam, are one of the most common causes of injury in restaurants. A scalding burn can cause serious. life-altering injury, causing intense pain, scarring, and time away from work. While hot oil heats to higher temperatures and causes more severe injuries, scalds from water are also very frequent in the restaurant industry and can cause third-degree burns almost instantaneously if the water is boiling or simmering. Working with or around hot liquids and steam in a restaurant puts you at risk.

How Can You Prevent Burns?

Good communication between co-workers as well as understanding and following all workplace safety procedures are essential in preventing burn injuries. To reduce your risk of suffering a scald burn injury or causing a co-worker to be burned, take the following procedures.

• When you are manually transferring hot liquids, make sure the container is more than half full, and use a lid or splash guard.
• When using a cart to transfer hot liquids, check to be sure the container is secure on the cart so it will not tip or fall from sudden stops or jarring.
• Use extreme care when handling foods or liquids that have been microwaved, as they can reach temperatures greater than boiling without bubbling.
• Keep floors clear of liquids and debris. Slips, trips, and falls are responsible for many restaurant scald burns, and often these injuries can result in more time lost at work than other scald injuries.
• When appropriate, use hot pads, potholders, or proper gloves/mittens.
• Always wear protective shoes with slip-resistant soles- never open-toed shoes, sandals, or boots.
• Follow all safety procedures when working with deep fryers.

What to Do

In the case of a severe bun, as with any serious injury, call 911 immediately, and notify a supervisor. While you wait for the emergency unity, take the following steps:

• Do not immerse severe burns in cold water, as it could cause shock.
• Do not drink anything.
• Elevate the burned body part or parts above heart level, if possible.
• Cover with a clean sheet or blanket.

Even if a contact only lasts a second or two, hot liquid kills skin cells and can damage your tissue extensively. If hot liquids contact your eye, contact an eye doctor.

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