Hazards of Chemicals and GasesDOE-HDBK-1015/2-93COMPRESSED GASESRev. 0CH-05Page 23TreatingCold-ContactBurnsWorkers will rarely come in contact with a cryogenic liquid if proper handling procedures areused. In the unlikely event of contact with a liquid or cold gas, a cold-contact "burn" may occur.Actually, the skin or tissue freezes. Medical assistance should be obtained as soon as possible.In the interim, the emergency measures presented in Table 2 are recommended.TABLE 2Emergency Measures for Treating Cold-Contact BurnsRemove any clothing that may restrict circulation to the frozen area. Do not rubfrozen parts, as tissue damage may result.As soon as practical, immerse the effected part in warm water (not less than105 F or more than 115 F, or 40 C to 46 C). Never use dry heat. The victimshould be in a warm room, if possible.If the exposure has been massive and the general body temperature is depressed,the patient should be totally immersed in a warm-water bath. Treatment for shockshould be provided.Frozen tissues are painless and appear waxy and yellow. They will swell and bepainful and prone to infection when thawed. Do not rewarm rapidly. Thawingmay require 15 to 60 minutes and should continue until the pale blue tint of theskin turns pink or red. Morphine or tranquilizers may be required to control thepain during thawing and should be administered under professional medicalsupervision.If the frozen part of the body thaws before the doctor arrives, cover the area withdry sterile dressings and a large, bulky protective covering.Alcoholic beverages and smoking decrease blood flow to the frozen tissues andshould be prohibited. Warm drinks and food may be administered.Some liquified gases require special precautions. For example, when liquid oxygen is handled,all combustible materials, especially oil or gases, should be kept away. Smoking or open flamesshould never be permitted where liquid oxygen is stored or handled. NO SMOKING signsshould be posted conspicuously in such areas.
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