[Deep dermal alkali burns caused by work with screed].

INTRODUCTION

In the Center for Plastic Surgery of the Trauma Hospital Berlin, between the years 2000 and 2007 we observed a total of 10 deep dermal alkali burns caused by screed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The 10 patients were retrospectively surveyed to assess the risk of alkali burn injury. They were also questioned about the protective clothing worn when the accidents occurred. The severity of the injuries was compared to the patients' estimates of the perceived risks.

RESULTS

Despite the safety advice and warnings, all patients underestimated the risk of injury. Six patients ranked the risk of injury as low, two patients as medium, and two as high. None of the 10 patients who suffered deep alkali burns (second and third degree) was wearing the recommended protective clothing at the time of injury.

CONCLUSION

The existing safety advice insufficiently reflects the potential risk of injury. The author demands a change in the safety warnings from "irritant" to "can cause alkali burns"; with such a change, workers may be better aware of the dangers of working with screed.