A young apprentice learning the trade of road marking was burnt, having made contact with hot thermoplastic materials on the back of a road marking vehicle.
The apprentice was working as part of a road marking team. His charge hand (foreman) had utilised him on a closed site, assisting in putting out traffic cones and helping with the positioning of pre-mark rope lines. The IP was informed by the charge hand not to touch any hot materials or equipment, and was left for a few minutes on his own beside the road marking vehicle.
During this time, the IP stated that he noticed a jug used to decant hot thermoplastic material appeared to be on fire and needed to be extinguished. The IP picked up the jug and turned it upside down to put out the flames. The IP did not factor in that there was residue thermoplastic at the bottom on the jug. The thermoplastic started to leak on to the bed of the vehicle and run towards the side. Before it started to drip on to the road surface, the IP attempted to push it back from the vehicle edge using the backs of both hands. At this point, the IP burnt both hands due to the hot thermoplastic seeping into his gloves. Traces of his glove became fused to parts of IP hands whilst trying to remove the gloves. The IP was not wearing heat prevention (gauntlet) gloves at the time.
It is important to follow these simple steps when working around or with hot materials:-
• All inexperienced staff/visitors to be supervised at all times
• Keep away from hot tools and equipment unless authorised to do so
• Wear appropriate PPE (FR clothing, gauntlet gloves) capable of withstanding high temperatures
• Follow Safe System of Work • Maintain adequate First Aid provisions (water filled plunge buckets where possible)
• Ensure adequate Burns Kits are available