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


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Ottomann
C
C
Zentrum für Schwerbrandverletzte mit Plastischer Chriurgie, Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Warenerstr. 7, 12683 Berlin. otto1701de@yahoo.de
Hartmann
B
B