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Gas
fireplaces have become popular in recent years. This article presents
the first reported case of a burn injury from contact with the front
glass panel of a gas fireplace.
An investigation of the surface temperature of the front
glass panel of
gas fireplaces was undertaken to clarify the risks posed by these units.
Surface temperature measurements of the glass panel of 3 common gas
fireplace models were obtained using a thermocouple probe.
Glass temperatures reached a temperature of 200°C within 6.5
minutes of ignition, climbing to 245°C after 14 minutes after ignition.
Glass temperature continued to rise, but it could not be monitored
because the adhesive used to secure the thermocouple probe melted. Glass
temperatures of 50°C were recorded 30 minutes after the unit was shut
off. The temperatures of the glass panel of glass fireplaces are
sufficient to cause cutaneous burns within seconds of contact both while
the fireplace is in-use and up to one half hour after it has been turned
off.
Current
industry safety standards are not directed at the prevention of contact
burns.
We
recommend that:
(1)
mechanical guards be installed to create a barrier in front of the glass
panel;
(2)
strict warning labels be applied to the units and ignition
switches;
(3)
burn prevention information be distributed with the owner’s manual for
these products. (J Burn Care Rehabil 1998:19; 85-9)
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