Types of Burns

Over 1 million people in the U.S. 

are burned every year.

Since being burned in an industrial coating shop is a very real, immediate danger, it is very important to know how to identify the severity of a burn quickly so you can react right away. 

Superficial burns cause the skin to be bright red, hot to the touch, but not to blister. They are painful, but only the epidermis (the top layer of skin) is damaged so there will be no scars or permanent tissue damage.

Partial thickness burns are classified as either superficial or deep. Superficial partial thickness burns blister and are wet, are very painful, but the burned dermis (the second layer of skin) will regenerate. However, deep partial thickness burns are a mixture of red and waxy white and the destroyed areas will not regenerate.

Full thickness burns will make the skin look white or even charred. The worst part of the burn is not painful, but the surrounding areas will be. The destroyed areas will not heal, so there will be heavy scarring.

Remember to always have someone in the shop trained to administer first aid, and always seek professional medical attention immediately after a serious burn.