Hot grease or oil can be a significant cause of burn injury, especially in the home. The injury may be more severe than a comparable exposure to hot water.
Factors affecting the outcome of a grease or oil exposure:
(1) temperature of the grease or oil
(2) surface area of body exposed
(3) location of exposure
(4) concurrent fire
(5) immediate response to the burn
Exposures may take the form of:
(1) splattering
(2) finger or hand contact
(3) small splash
(4) large splash (as of a vat of cooking oil)
Even small splatters can cause significant injury if the eye or other vulnerable site is affected.
Spilling a large amount of grease or oil can be a serious fire hazard if an ignition source is nearby.
The risk is particularly significant for
(1) children who spill a pan of hot oil onto themselves.
(2) chefs and cooks
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
