Volume 202 - Issue 2
Severe alkali burns from beer line cleaners warrant mandatory safety guidelines
Authors: Annette K Hoskin, Stephen J Dain and David A Mackey
Med J Aust 2015; 202 (2): 79. || doi: 10.5694/mja14.01104
Published online: 2 February 2015
Published online: 2 February 2015
Where elimination of hazards is not possible, education and personal protective equipment are essential
To the Editor: Chemical burns from alkaline cleaning chemicals in the workplace can cause some of the most devastating and blinding ocular injuries, as noted by Samarawickrama and colleagues.1 Protection from alkalis is particularly important as these compounds are capable of deep penetration, especially in the cornea, and tissue destruction continues long after the initial exposure.2
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cwlth) requires anyone with a duty for ensuring health and safety to eliminate health and safety risks so far as is reasonably practicable.3 Where elimination of hazards is not possible, personal protective equipment (PPE) forms the last line of defence. The risk of splashes from very hazardous chemicals necessitates a full face shield, gloves, protective clothing and boots.4
Hotel owners and beer and chemical manufacturers should educate workers about the hazards of beer line cleaning chemicals and appropriate procedures to minimise the risk of injury. Education on risks, safety procedures, PPE and first aid remains critical for successful injury prevention strategies.5 Young and inexperienced workers should be a focus of education, as they are at higher risk of ocular injury due to their immaturity and lack of experience.
Appropriate first aid, including eye wash shower bottles or stations, should be in place. The reported cases represent a stark reminder to employers to safely manage the use of hazardous chemicals, in particular alkalis, that are an injury risk for workers.
Competing interests
Annette Hoskin receives compensation as a consultant to EYRES Safety Optics.
References
- Samarawickrama C, Leaney J, Watson S. Severe alkali burns from beer line cleaners warrant mandatory safety guidelines. Med J Aust 2014; 201: 90. 1
- Palao R, Monge I, Ruiz M, Barret JP. Chemical burns: pathophysiology and treatment. Burns 2010; 36: 295-304. lefthere
- Safe Work Australia. How to manage work health and safety risks. Code of practice. Sydney: WorkCover, NSW Government, Dec 2011. http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/how-manage-work-health-safety-risks-code-of-practice-3565.pdf (accessed Jan 2015).
- AS/NZS 1336:2014. Eye and face protection - guidelines. Sydney/Wellington: Standards Australia Limited, Standards New Zealand, 2014. 4
- Safe Work Australia. Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Code of practice. Sydney: WorkCover, NSW Government, Jul 2014. http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/managing-risks-hazardous-chemicals-code-3837.pdf (accessed Jan 2015).