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1.jpg Aluminum oxide companies use alkaline methods to produce aluminum oxide; the process media are characterized by high concentrations of alkali and high temperatures. In wet-process operations, when there are defects in the equipment or processes that lead to leaks, etc., these process media can come into direct contact with the human body. If appropriate personal protective equipment is not worn, it can cause serious harm to the body. Alkaline solutions are highly corrosive; contact with exposed parts of the body can cause burns, and exposure to the eyes is even more dangerous. Chapter 1 Analysis of the Causes of Alkaline Burn Injuries (1) The most common causes of alkaline burn accidents are entering the work area without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment in a proper manner. For example: 1.1 Failing to wear protective glasses during site inspections, which allows alkaline-containing sealant or materials to get into the eyes. 1.2 When cleaning gutters, proper personal protective equipment was not worn; rain pants and rain boots were not used, or the trouser legs were not tucked into the boots, resulting in alkaline liquid entering the boots and causing burns to the feet. 1.3 Failing to wear protective glasses when sampling or discharging materials, resulting in alkaline liquid splashing into the eyes or coming into contact with the face and neck; not wearing rubber gloves, leading to hand burns from alkaline liquid splashes. 1.4 Failing to wear protective equipment when removing bolts from pipes or tank manholes, or having workers stand directly in front of the flanges, which can result in injury from splashing residual materials. (2) During maintenance or cleaning operations, failure to implement proper safety measures led to accidental contact with alkaline solutions, such as: 2.1 Starting work without first draining the alkaline solution or ensuring that the inlet and outlet valves are properly closed when repairing pump equipment or pipelines. 2.2 When cleaning various tanks and vessels, the material is not completely removed, or the feed pipeline is not properly isolated (by installing blind flanges or removing the inlet elbow). (3) Potential safety hazards at the site are not eliminated in a timely manner, such as: 3.1, alkaline liquid leaks from the pipes in the overhead pipeline network, with people walking below. 3.2 No warning signs or protective measures were in place in the hazardous area, allowing unauthorized personnel to enter. 3.3 The manhole covers are not secure, have gaps, or are missing, making it easy for workers to fall into the manholes. (4) Other aspects 4.1、There is a tendency to take chances, with workers removing their personal protective equipment before leaving the dangerous area. 4.2 Insufficient on-site lighting or poor illumination can cause workers to enter areas hazardous due to alkalis. 4.3 Issues with the quality of personal protective equipment, such as damaged raincoats and rain boots. 4.4 The production control is inadequate; the high liquid level in the tanks containing alkaline materials leads to overfilling, resulting in significant leakage of alkaline solution. Chapter 2: Immediate First Aid for Burns Caused by Alkaline Substances (1) Those who have been burned by alkaline substances should first try to help themselves. If the injury is mild, they should leave the dangerous area as quickly as possible. In cases where the injury is severe and it is difficult to evacuate on one’s own, it is necessary to seek help immediately by using communication devices such as mobile phones or walkie-talkies, or by shouting for assistance. (2) To assist rescuers in entering the scene, it is first necessary to ensure that personal protective equipment is worn properly, and to pay attention to the environment at the site in order to determine an appropriate rescue route and prevent injuries. (3) Emergency treatment methods: 3.1 Immediately rinse the burned area with plenty of clean water for no less than 30 minutes. Do not apply any ointments or merthiolate solution to the fresh wound, and avoid puncturing blisters on your own to prevent infection. 3.2 If the eyes are scalded, do not rub them; instead, rinse them immediately with flowing water, or have someone else help use a washing bottle to rinse them. The eyelids must be kept open during the rinsing process, and this should be done for no less than 30 minutes. If there is no washing equipment on site, you can submerge your head in a basin of clean water, lift your eyelids, and rotate your eyeballs to clean them. 3.3 If the area of the burn is large, immediately remove the victim’s clothes and rinse the wound; if the clothing is tight, use scissors to cut it open carefully. (4) While carrying out the above actions, the team members should also inform their supervisors immediately, and depending on the severity of the injury, arrange for a vehicle to transport the injured person to a specialized hospital for examination or treatment.