Burn Gels
Hello everyone!!
I've been exploring the possibility of using aloe vera as a burn gel for our welders and techs. I've searched multiple times on what OSHA has to say on this, but I can't seem to find much of anything.
My concern with using this is if OSHA would consider this to be beyond just first aid treatment.
Does anyone use this? If so, is it just considered first aid treatment?
Comments (7)
It's a non-prescription external medication, so it's first aid as long as you follow the instructions on the label as far as dosage and application. If it was Silvadene creme or another prescription burn ointment, that would be medical treatment, but simple OTC burn gel is considered first aid per 1904.7.
I agree with Drew. I bought burn cream packets and did not use aloe vera. Either would be first aid if non-prescription.
Drew and SafetyBran Right ON Again!
I use to keep several Aloe Vera plants in First Aid and in my office! Cannot get more OTC than a leaf of Aloe Vera! When needed I would just break off a leaf! :)
Light and water is all you need! Pretty plants and grow relatively easily, as long as you do not over cultivate!
Most burn centers do not recommend these products. Once of the first things that happens at the burn center is cleaning the burned area. As you can probably imagine, this is a very painful process where any dirt and dead skin are removed. The gels will need to be removed during this process. The burn centers recommend the use of cool water and moist, loose dressings.
That being said, these gels work really well on first-degree burns like sunburns (personal use, my pale skin doesn't tan) and other minor burns that will not need further care.
I agree with everyone else, since these are over-the-counter products that do not meet the definition of medical care and are first aid.
This may seem a bit presumptive of me, but I’d be focusing on prevention vs. remedy. Have you determined WHY they’re getting burned? Seems like preventing the mode of injury would be energy better spent. Not trying to judge, but that’s just my perspective.