How is the Rule of Nines used to assess burn severity in adults. What are the key areas considered in the Rule of Nines chart. How does the Rule of Nines help in determining Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) affected by burns. Why is accurate burn assessment crucial for proper treatment and triage.

Understanding the Rule of Nines Burn Chart

The Rule of Nines burn chart is a crucial tool used by medical professionals to quickly and accurately assess the percentage of body surface area affected by burns in adult patients. This method divides the body into sections, each representing 9% (or a multiple of 9%) of the total body surface area (TBSA). By understanding and utilizing this chart, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment and triage in burn cases.

Key Areas in the Rule of Nines Chart

The Rule of Nines divides the adult body into the following sections:

• Head and neck: 9%
• Each arm: 9% (total 18% for both arms)
• Chest: 9%
• Abdomen: 9%
• Upper back: 9%
• Lower back: 9%
• Each leg: 18% (total 36% for both legs)
• Genitals: 1%

This division allows for quick estimation of burn severity, which is crucial in emergency situations where timely decision-making can be life-saving.

Importance of Accurate Burn Assessment

Accurate assessment of burn severity is critical for several reasons:

1. Determining the need for specialized burn care
2. Calculating fluid resuscitation requirements
3. Assessing the risk of complications
4. Guiding treatment decisions
5. Estimating prognosis

Underestimating or overestimating burn severity can lead to inadequate treatment or unnecessary interventions, both of which can negatively impact patient outcomes.

Applying the Rule of Nines in Clinical Practice

When using the Rule of Nines, healthcare providers should keep in mind that this method is most accurate for second-degree (partial-thickness) and third-degree (full-thickness) burns. First-degree burns are typically not included in TBSA calculations as they do not significantly affect fluid requirements or overall prognosis.

Steps for Using the Rule of Nines:

1. Identify the burned areas on the patient’s body
2. Estimate the percentage of each body section affected by the burn
3. Sum up the percentages to get the total TBSA affected
4. Document findings and communicate with the medical team

It’s important to note that the Rule of Nines is less accurate for children and infants due to their different body proportions. Modified charts are available for pediatric patients.

Burn Triage and Treatment Considerations

The severity of burns, as determined by the Rule of Nines, plays a crucial role in triage and treatment decisions. The American Burn Association (ABA) has established criteria for burn unit referrals based on TBSA and other factors.

Key ABA Burn Unit Referral Criteria:

• Second- and third-degree burns greater than 10% TBSA in patients under 10 or over 50 years of age
• Second- and third-degree burns greater than 20% TBSA in other age groups
• Burns involving critical areas such as face, hands, feet, genitalia, or major joints
• Third-degree burns greater than 5% TBSA in any age group
• Electrical or chemical burns
• Inhalation injuries

These criteria help ensure that patients with severe burns receive specialized care at facilities equipped to handle complex cases.

Initial Management of Burn Patients

The initial management of burn patients follows the principles of Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS) and focuses on the ABCs: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. The Rule of Nines plays a vital role in guiding these initial interventions.

Airway Management

Airway management is critical, especially in patients with extensive burns. The risk of upper airway obstruction increases with:

• Burns greater than 35-40% TBSA
• Burns to the head and neck
• Inhalation injuries

Early intubation may be necessary for patients with massive burns or signs of airway compromise.

Fluid Resuscitation

The Rule of Nines is essential for calculating fluid resuscitation requirements. The Parkland Formula, commonly used for this purpose, relies on accurate TBSA estimation:

Fluid requirement (in mL) = 4 x patient’s weight (kg) x %TBSA burned

Half of this calculated volume is given in the first 8 hours post-burn, with the remainder administered over the next 16 hours.

Complications and Considerations in Burn Assessment

While the Rule of Nines is a valuable tool, it’s important to be aware of potential complications and considerations in burn assessment:

• Inaccuracies in estimating partial burns within body sections
• Difficulties in assessing burns in obese or very thin patients
• Challenges in distinguishing between different degrees of burns
• The need for reassessment as burn injuries evolve over time

Healthcare providers should use the Rule of Nines in conjunction with clinical judgment and, when possible, more advanced assessment tools like digital imaging and computer-aided measurement techniques.

Advanced Burn Care and Specialized Treatment

For severe burns identified through the Rule of Nines assessment, specialized burn care is often necessary. This may include:

• Advanced wound care and debridement
• Skin grafting procedures
• Management of inhalation injuries
• Nutritional support
• Pain management
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy

Verified Burn Centers, certified by the American College of Surgeons and the American Burn Association, are equipped to provide comprehensive care for complex burn cases.

The Future of Burn Assessment and Treatment

While the Rule of Nines remains a cornerstone of burn assessment, advancements in technology are shaping the future of burn care. Some emerging developments include:

• 3D imaging for more accurate TBSA calculation
• Artificial intelligence-assisted burn depth assessment
• Novel wound dressings and skin substitutes
• Gene therapy and stem cell treatments for burn healing

These innovations promise to enhance the accuracy of burn assessment and improve treatment outcomes for burn patients.

In conclusion, the Rule of Nines burn chart is an invaluable tool for quickly assessing burn severity in adult patients. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a crucial component of initial burn management. However, healthcare providers must remember that it is just one part of a comprehensive approach to burn care. Accurate assessment, combined with prompt and appropriate treatment, can significantly improve outcomes for burn patients.

Burn Triage and Treatment – Thermal Injuries

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Burn Triage and Treatment – Thermal Injuries

• General Information
• Diagnosis of Burns
• American Burn Association Burn Unit Referral Criteria
• Treatment
• Special Burns
• American Burn Association Information

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General Information

• After a chemical mass casualty incident, trauma with or without burns is expected to be common.
• Burn therapy adds significant logistical requirements and complexity to the medical response in a chemical mass casualty incident.
• Burns complicating physical injury and/or chemical injury decrease the likelihood of survival.
• Health care providers with burn expertise are needed to optimize burn care.
• Consultation with American Burn Association Verified Burn Centers is recommended
  
  

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Diagnosis of Burns

• Definition: A burn is the partial or complete destruction of skin caused by some form of energy, usually thermal energy.
• Burn severity is dictated by:

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  American Burn Association Burn Unit Referral Criteria

  ^*

  *Criteria not established for very large mass casualty incidents (MCI)

  
  Summary of Burn Unit Referral Criteria (PDF – 7 KB) (American Burn Association)

  1. Second- and third-degree burns greater than 10% TBSA in patients under 10 or over 50 years of age
  2. Second- and third-degree burns greater than 20% TBSA in other age groups
  3. Second- and third-degree burns that involve the face, hands, feet, genitalia, perineum, and major joints
  4. Third-degree burns greater than 5% TBSA in any age group
  5. Electrical burns, including lightning injury
  6. Chemical burns
  7. Inhalation injury
  8. Burn injury in patients with pre-existing medical disorders that could complicate management, prolong recovery, or affect mortality (e. g., significant chemical exposure)
  9. Any patients with burns and concomitant trauma (e.g., fractures, blast injury) where burn injury poses the greatest risk of morbidity or mortality.
     In such cases, if the trauma poses the greater immediate risk, the patient may be treated initially in a trauma center until stable before being transferred to a burn center.
     Physician judgment will be necessary in such situations and should be in concert with the regional medical control plan and triage protocols appropriate for the incident
  10. Hospitals without qualified personnel or equipment for the care of children should transfer children with burns to a Verified Burn Center with these capabilities
  11. Burn injury in children who will require special social/emotional and/or long-term rehabilitative support, including cases involving suspected child abuse or substance abuse
      

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  Treatment

  • General information
    • All burn patients should initially be treated with the principles of
      Advanced Burn and/or Trauma Life Support
      • The ABC’s (airway, breathing, circulation) of trauma take precedent over caring for the burn
      • Search for other signs of trauma
  • Verified Burn Centers provide advanced support for complex cases
    • Certified by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma and the American Burn Association (ABA)
    • Resources will give advice or assist with care
  • Burn Unit Referral Criteria (PDF – 7 KB) (American Burn Association)
  • Airway
    • Extensive burns may lead to massive edema
    • Obstruction may result from upper airway swelling
    • Risk of upper airway obstruction increases with
      • Massive burns
        • All patients with deep burns >35-40% TBSA should be endotracheally intubated
      • Burns to the head
      • Burns inside the mouth
    • Intubate early if massive burn or signs of obstruction
      • Intubate if patients require prolonged transport and any concern with potential for obstruction
      • If any concerns about the airway, it is safer to intubate earlier than when the patient is decompensating
    • Signs of airway obstruction
      • Hoarseness or change in voice
      • Use of accessory respiratory muscles
      • High anxiety
    • Tracheostomies not needed during resuscitation period
    • Remember: Intubation can lead to complications, so do not intubate if not needed
  • Breathing
    • Hypoxia
      • Fire consumes oxygen so people may suffer from hypoxia as a result of flame injuries
    • Carbon monoxide (CO)
      • Byproduct of incomplete combustion
      • Binds hemoglobin with 200 times the affinity of oxygen
      • Leads to inadequate oxygenation
      • Diagnosis of CO poisoning
        • Nondiagnostic
          • PaO₂ (partial pressure of O₂ dissolved in serum)
          • Oximeter (difference in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin)
          • Patient color (“cherry red” with poisoning)
        • Diagnostic
          • Carboxyhemoglobin levels
            • >40% is severe intoxication
      • Treatment
        • Remove source
        • 100% oxygen until CO levels are
      • Smoke inhalation injury
        • Pathophysiology
          • Smoke particles settle in distal bronchioles
          • Mucosal cells are die
          • Sloughing and distal atelectasis
          • Increase risk for pneumonia
        • Diagnosis
          • History of being in a smoke-filled enclosed space
          • Bronchoscopy
            • Soot beneath the glottis
            • Airway edema, erythema, ulceration
          • Nondiagnostic clinical tests
            • Early chest x-ray
            • Early blood gases
          • Nondiagnostic clinical findings
            • Soot in sputum or saliva
            • Singed facial hair
        • Treatment
          • Supportive pulmonary management
          • Aggressive respiratory therapy
    • Circulation
      • Obtain IV access anywhere possible
        • Unburned areas preferred
        • Burned areas acceptable
        • Central access more reliable if proficient
        • Cut-downs are last resort
      • Resuscitation in burn shock (first 24 hours)
        • Massive capillary leak occurs after major burns
        • Fluids shift from intravascular space to interstitial space
        • Fluid requirements increase with greater severity of burn (larger % TBSA, increase depth, inhalation injury, associate injuries – see above)
        • Fluid requirements decrease with less severe burn (may be less than calculated rate)
        • IV fluid rate dependent on physiologic response
          • Place Foley catheter to monitor urine output
          • Goal for adults: urine output of 0. 5 ml/kg/hour
          • Goal for children: urine output of 1 ml/kg/hour
          • If urine output below these levels, increase fluid rate
        • Preferred fluid: Lactated Ringer’s Solution
          • Isotonic
          • Cheap
          • Easily stored
        • Resuscitation formulas are just a guide for initiating resuscitation
        • Resuscitation formulas:
          • Parkland formula most commonly used
            • IV fluid – Lactated Ringer’s Solution
            • Fluid calculation
              • 4 x weight in kg x %TBSA burn
                • Give 1/2 of that volume in the first 8 hours
                • Give other 1/2 in next 16 hours
                • Warning: Despite the formula suggesting cutting the fluid rate in half at 8 hours, the fluid rate should be gradually reduced throughout the resuscitation to maintain the targeted urine output, i. e., do not follow the second part of the formula that says to reduce the rate at 8 hours, adjust the rate based on the urine output.
                  
            • Example of fluid calculation
              • 100-kg man with 80% TBSA burn
              • Parkland formula:
                • 4 x 100 x 80 = 32,000 ml
                • Give 1/2 in first 8 hours = 16,000 ml in first 8 hours
                • Starting rate = 2,000 ml/hour
              • Adjust fluid rate to maintain urine output of 50 ml/hr
              • Albumin may be added toward end of 24 hours if not adequate response
        • Resuscitation endpoint: maintenance rate
          • When maintenance rate is reached (approximately 24 hours), change fluids to D50.5NS with 20 mEq KCl at maintenance level
        • Maintenance fluid rate = basal requirements + evaporative losses
          • Basal fluid rate
            • Adult basal fluid rate = 1500 x body surface area (BSA) (for 24 hrs)
            • Pediatric basal fluid rate (
            • May use
              • 100 ml/kg for 1st 10 kg
              • 0 ml/kg for 2nd 10 kg
              • 20 ml/kg for remaining kg for 24 hrs
        • Evaporative fluid loss
          • Adult: (25 + % TBSA burn) x (BSA) = ml/hr
          • Pediatric (
      • Complications of over-resuscitation
        • Compartment syndromes
          • Best dealt with at Verified Burn Centers
          • If unable to obtain assistance, compartment syndromes may require management
          • Limb compartments
            • Symptoms of severe pain (worse with movement), numbness, cool extremity, tight feeling compartments
            • Distal pulses may remain palpable despite ongoing compartment syndrome (pulse is lost when pressure > systolic pressure)
            • Compartment pressure >30 mmHg may compromise muscle/nerves
            • Measure compartment pressures with arterial line monitor (place needle into compartment)
            • Escharotomies may save limbs
              • Performed laterally and medially throughout entire limb
              • Performed with arms supinated
              • Hemostasis is required
            • Fasciotomies may be needed if pressure does not drop to
            • Requires surgical expertise
            • Hemostasis is required
        • Chest Compartment Syndrome
          • Increased peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) due to circumferential trunk burns
          • Escharotomies through mid-axillary line, horizontally across chest/abdominal junction
        • Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
          • Pressure in peritoneal cavity > 30 mmHg
            • Measure through Foley catheter
          • Signs: increased PIP, decreased urine output despite massive fluids, hemodynamic instability, tight abdomen
          • Treatment
            • Abdominal escharotomy
            • NG tube
            • Possible placement of peritoneal catheter to drain fluid
            • Laparotomy as last resort
        • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
          • Increased risk and severity if over-resuscitation
          • Treatment supportive
  • Wound Care
    • During initial or emergent care, wound care is of secondary importance
    • Advanced Burn Life Support recommendations
      • Cover wound with clean, dry sheet or dressing. NO WET DRESSINGS.
        • Simple dressing if being transported to burn center (they will need to see the wound)
        • Sterile dressings are preferred but not necessary
        • Covering wounds improves pain
        • Elevate burned extremities
      • Maintain patient’s temperature (keep patient warm)
        • While cooling may make a small wound more comfortable, cooling any wound >5% TBSA will cool the patient
    • If providing prolonged care
      • Wash wounds with soap and water (sterility is not necessary)
      • Maintain temperature
      • Topical antimicrobials help prevent infection but do not eliminate bacteria
        • Silver sulfadiazine for deep burns
        • Bacitracin and nonsticky dressings for more superficial burns
    • Skin grafting
      • Deep burns require skin grafting
      • Grafting may not be necessary for days
      • Preferable to refer patients with need for grafting to Verified Burn Centers or, if not available, others trained in surgical techniques
        • Grafting of extensive areas may require significant amounts of blood
        • Patient’s temperature must be watched
        • Anesthesia requires extra attention
  • Medications
    • All pain meds should be given IV
    • Tetanus prophylaxis should be given as appropriate
    • Prophylactic antibiotics are contraindicated
      • Systemic antibiotics are only given to treat infections

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  Special Burns

  • General information
    • Often require specialized care
    • Calling a Verified Burn Center is advised
  • Electrical injuries
    • Extent of injury may not be apparent
      • Damage occurs deep within tissues
      • Damage frequently progresses
      • Electricity contracts muscles, so watch for associated injuries
    • Cardiac arrhythmias may occur
      • If arrhythmia present, patient needs monitoring
      • CPR may be lifesaving
    • Myoglobinuria may be present
      • Color best indicator of severity
      • If urine is dark (black, red), myoglobinuria needs to be treated
        • Increase fluids to induce urine output of 75-100 ml/hr in adults
        • In children, target urine output of 2 ml/kg/hour
        • Alkalinize urine (give NaHCOi₃)
        • Check for compartment syndromes
        • Mannitol as last resort
    • Compartment syndromes are common
    • Long-term neuro-psychiatric problems may result
  • Chemical Burns
    • Brush off powder
    • Prolonged irrigation required
    • Do not seek antidote
      • Delays treatment
      • May result in heat production
    • Special chemical burns require contacting a Verified Burn Center, for example:
      • Hydrofluoric acid burn

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  American Burn Association Information

  • The American Burn Association (ABA) is an organization of burn caregivers who have set up a network to assist with management of burn disasters.
  • The ABA has set up a system to verify burn centers (similar to Verified Trauma Centers) as meeting standards for managing patients with burns of all types of severity.
  • Verified Burn Centers participate in disaster planning and have set up a network for transporting burn patients throughout the country.
  • Verified Burn Centers are always available for advice and assistance in managing burn patients.
  • To find the nearest Verified Burn Center near you,
    • contact the ABA Web site: www.ameriburn.org or
    • e-mail: [email protected] or
    • call: 312-642-9260
  • The ABA offers ABA Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS), a Self-directed, Web-based Learning Program.

  Acknowledgement: This CHEMM Web page was adapted from REMM and prepared in consultation with Dr. David Greenhalgh, President of the American Burn Association, August 2006

  
  

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  Additional Resources

  
  
  

  1. Greenwood JE. Burn injury and explosions: an Australian perspective. Eplasty. 2009 Sep 16;9:e40. [PubMed Citation]
  2. Orgill DP. Excision and skin grafting of thermal burns. N Engl J Med. 2009 Feb 26;360(9):893-901. [PubMed Citation]
  3. Holmes JH 4th. Critical issues in burn care. J Burn Care Res. 2008 Nov-Dec;29(6 Suppl 2):S180-7. [PubMed Citation]
  4. Singer AJ, Dagum AB. Current management of acute cutaneous wounds. N Engl J Med. 2008 Sep 4;359(10):1037-46. [PubMed Citation]
  5. White CE, Renz EM. Advances in surgical care: management of severe burn injury. Crit Care Med. 2008 Jul;36(7 Suppl):S318-24. [PubMed Citation]
  6. Yurt RW, Lazar EJ, Leahy NE, Cagliuso NV Sr, Rabbitts AC, Akkapeddi V, Cooper A, Dajer A, Delaney J, Mineo FP, Silber SH, Soloff L, Magbitang K, Mozingo DW. Burn disaster response planning: an urban region’s approach. J Burn Care Res. 2008 Jan-Feb;29(1):158-65. [PubMed Citation]
  7. Barillo DJ, Wolf S. Planning for burn disasters: lessons learned from one hundred years of history. J Burn Care Res. 2006 Sep-Oct;27(5):622-34. [PubMed Citation]
  8. Saffle JR, Gibran N, Jordan M. Defining the ratio of outcomes to resources for triage of burn patients in mass casualties. J Burn Care Rehabil, 2005 Nov-Dec;26(6):478-82 [PubMed Citation]
  9. Allison K, Porter K. Consensus on the pre-hospital approach to burns patient management. Injury. 2004 Aug;35(8):734-8. [PubMed Citation]
  10. Ahuja RB, Bhattacharya S. Burns in the developing world and burn disasters. BMJ. 2004 Aug 21;329(7463):447-9. [PubMed Citation]
  11. Sheridan RL. Burns. Crit Care Med. 2002 Nov;30(11 Suppl):S500-14. [PubMed Citation]
  12. Herndon DN, ed. Total Burn Care (2nd Ed), WB Saunders, London, 2002.
  13. Leslie CL, Cushman M, McDonald GS, Joshi W, Maynard AM. Management of multiple burn casualties in a high volume ED without a verified burn unit. Am J Emerg Med. 2001 Oct;19(6):469-73. [PubMed Citation]
  14. Mackie DP, Koning HM. Fate of mass burn casualties: implications for disaster planning. Burns. 1990 Jun;16(3):203-6. [PubMed Citation]

  
  
  
  

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Rule of Nines for Burns in an Adult NCLEX Review

This NCLEX review will discuss the Rule of Nines for burns in an adult patient.

If you’re studying burns right now in class, you can probably count on a rule of nines burn question being on your exam. It’s a popular topic to cover on a burns exam.

Lecture on Rule of Nines

What is the Rule of Nines?

It’s a quick calculation that can be used to calculate the total body surface area (TBSA) percentage that is burned on a patient. It is used for burns that are at least partial-thickness or greater.

• Why do we need to know the total body surface area percentage burned on a patient?

It tells us the severity of the burn. For example, does this patient need specialized care and meet the criteria for a burn unit? Another reason, which is a BIG one, this percentage will determine the fluid replacement treatment regime.

When a patient experiences about 15% or more of a total body surface area that is burned there is a major change in capillary permeability and the patient most definitely needs fluid replacement (Diver, 2008).

• What happens during a severe burn to the capillary permeability?

When a patient experiences a major burn, there is a shift of fluid from the intravascular area to the interstitial tissues (so fluid leaves the blood), and this is due to an increase in capillary permeability. Because of this shift there will be barely anything left in the circulation for the heart to pump to vital organs…without blood they start to die. So, a patient is at risk for hypovolemic shock when they experience severe burns.

Lactated Ringer’s (an isotonic solution) is most commonly used to help expand the intravascular compartment. To determine how much fluid a patient will need 24 hours after a severe burn, the Parkland Burn Formula is used (please see the next review for how to calculate the amount of fluid a patient needs after a severe burn).

Rule of Nines for Burns

Now, let’s look at the Rule of Nines!

Each area of the body is broken down by nines (hence makes it easier to remember). I like to start my way from the top and work downward:

NOTE: Remember that there is a FRONT AND BACK percentage value assigned to EACH AREA (many people forget this and get their calculation wrong).

Adult:

Head and Neck: 9% (4.5% anterior and posterior)

Right Arm: 9% (4.5% anterior and posterior)

Left Arm: 9% (4. 5% anterior and posterior)

Trunk: 36% (18% anterior and posterior)

Perineum: 1%

Right Leg: 18% (9% anterior and posterior)

Left Leg: 18% (9% anterior and posterior)

Total: 100%

Rule of Nines Practice Problem:

A 35 year old female patient has deep partial-thickness burns on the front and back of both arms, anterior trunk, back of left leg, anterior and posterior sides of the right leg, posterior head and neck, and perineum. What is the total body surface area percentage that is burned?

FRONT and BACK of both arms: 18%

ANTERIOR trunk: 18%

BACK of left leg: 9%

ANTERIOR and POSTERIOR of right leg: 18%

POSTERIOR head and neck: 4.5%

Perineum: 1%

Total: 68.5%

More Rule of Nines Practice Problems

References:

Burn Triage and Treatment: Thermal Injuries – Radiation Emergency Medical Management. (2018). Remm.nlm.gov. Retrieved 27 March 2018, from https://www.remm.nlm.gov/burns.htm

Diver, A. (2008). The evolution of burn fluid resuscitation. International Journal Of Surgery, 6(4), 347. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743919108000290

Is it possible to burn fallen leaves and plant residues in settlements, if not, then what is the responsibility for this?

Taking into account the requirements of environmental legislation, in the opinion of the Gomel Regional Committee of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the answer to this question should be divided into several components.

For enterprises and organizations, the ban on burning non-fuel substances (mixtures of substances), materials and wastes outside special devices and in violation of the requirements of environmental protection legislation, including waste management, is established by paragraph 5 of Article 31 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Protection of Atmospheric Air”.

If administrative liability is not provided for the said violation of the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Protection of Atmospheric Air”, then for violation of the requirements of the legislation on waste management, administrative liability is provided for under the third part of Article 16.44 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on administrative liability in the form of a fine of up to 30 base units, and for legal entities in the amount of up to a thousand base units.

It should be noted that in accordance with the third part of Article 20 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Flora”, making fires, burning plant residues in public areas in settlements, with the exception of specially equipped places for this, determined by decisions of local executive and administrative bodies are not allowed, and in other territories they are allowed subject to the requirements in the field of environmental protection and fire safety rules.

Article 16.41 of the Code of Administrative Liability of the Republic of Belarus provides for liability for making fires in prohibited places in the form of a fine of up to twelve basic units.

Prohibitions for the burning of leaves and plant residues for citizens on their household plots are not provided for by environmental legislation.

From the point of view of fire safety regulations, controlled fires are allowed in household plots to burn plant residues and leaves. At the same time, it is necessary to do this on a piece of land cleared of dry grass, dug around the perimeter with a strip of damp earth, the width of which is at least 25 cm. It is permissible to burn waste in small portions in light winds and subject to the following distances: 10 m from buildings and structures, 20 m from the forest, 30 m from places where hay or straw is stored.

It must be remembered that the site for burning plant residues must be selected in such a way that the possibility of a fire is excluded, provided with a fire extinguisher with a mass of extinguishing agent of at least 2 kg or a container of water with a volume of at least 10 liters, as well as a bayonet shovel. After burning the leaves, combustible residues must be extinguished until the smoldering completely stops.

However, the regional committee does not recommend burning leaves and plant residues.

It is important to remember that by burning waste, we harm nature and our health.

Tree leaves, while purifying the air, accumulate various pollutants, including heavy metals, which, when the leaves are burned, re-enter the atmosphere.

When plant waste is burned, plastic bottles, plastic bags, packaging waste often get into the fire, resulting in air pollution with various toxic, including carcinogenic, substances.

The smoke generated during such burning is especially dangerous for children, people with diseases of the heart, blood vessels and respiratory organs. Sometimes a harmless attempt to get rid of garbage leads to fires, damage to property and death.

In order to preserve the quality of the environment, the well-being and health of the population, the regional committee recommends using various methods for disposing of dry leaves and plant residues, and burning them only when necessary, for example, when there is a threat of contamination of healthy plants by the leaves of diseased trees.

Seasonal organic waste can be used to make compost. Raw leaves mixed with green grass improve the structure of the soil, protect it from drying out. This is due to the fact that the processing of organic waste gives it conditioning properties. As a result, humus retains moisture at the roots of plants, prevents them from freezing.

The leaves of healthy trees can be used as mulch. This method allows:

– to fertilize the soil;

– protect crops (made for the winter) from frost during the cold period;

– slow down the growth of weeds.

There are also known technologies for the use of dry foliage for growing home flowers, seedlings, mushrooms, and ceiling insulation in unheated rooms.

Falling leaves are not just rubbish, but a material for processing and obtaining valuable products.

For example, in the city of Gomel, the enterprise PUE “Spetskommuntrans” accepts leaves from citizens for composting and subsequent use.

Proper disposal of waste saves the environment, human health and brings financial benefits.

Barnaul residents are reminded of the rules for burning garbage in summer cottages and private households BARNAUL :: Official website of the city

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April 26, 2021 , 16:27

Security

The department of the Civil Defense and Emergency Situations of Barnaul recalls the provisions of the new fire regulations, which were approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of September 16, 2020 No. 1479 and entered into force on January 1, 2021. Previously, the ban on making fires and kindling open flames was valid only in public areas. Now the legislation restricts the possibility of making fires on their own plots of summer residents.

So, with the introduction of a special fire regime in the region, gardeners will no longer be able to:

– make fires;

– burn any waste and garbage, including foliage;

– cook food on fire.

It is still possible to make a fire in areas in 2021, but only in places specially equipped for this. The same rule applies to public lands.

According to Decree No. 1479, places for making fire must comply with several important standards:

1. Garbage can be burned in a pit, pit or ditch with a depth of at least 30 cm, the diameter of the recess should not exceed one meter.

2. Instead of a pit, it is allowed to use a specially equipped platform on which a metal container with a solid base is installed. For example, for burning grass or garbage, gardeners can use a barrel, tank or other containers made of non-combustible material with a volume of no more than 1 cubic meter. m with a cover made of non-combustible material.

3. Digging holes, installing barrels for burning garbage is allowed at a distance of at least 25 meters from the nearest buildings. Install barbecues, braziers for cooking at a distance of at least 5 meters from the nearest buildings.

4. Within a radius of 10 meters from a pit, barrel or other container, there should be no combustible materials, dry branches, foliage.

5. So that the fire can be localized at any time, a metal sheet must be kept near the pit or container. Its area should be such as to close the indicated container from above.

6. Near the place for making a fire, you need to have primary fire extinguishing equipment: water, a shovel, sand. They will be needed if the sparks of the flame fall on the grass or bushes.

It is also allowed to open fire on agricultural lands and settlements. But only at a distance of at least 100 meters from the coniferous forest; at least 30 meters from a deciduous forest or separately growing trees; at least 50 meters from any buildings.

“Open fire in suburban areas is a real danger, which is often underestimated by the owners of country houses. Any carelessness or a strong gust of wind can lead to a fire. Therefore, the rules for making fire in summer cottages are being tightened regularly, ”the department of the Civil Defense and Emergency Service emphasizes.

The procedure for carrying out primary fire safety measures in the form of annealing dry vegetation to prevent the occurrence of landscape fires is strictly regulated.

The schedule for preventive burning is drawn up on the basis of applications from land owners, land users, land owners, tenants of land prior to the start of a special fire regime. This document must be agreed with the head of the local fire garrison and approved in advance.

It includes planning and cartographic material with plotting of all areas planned for burning and indicating areas, distribution of forces and means involved in burning, and assigning to specific areas those responsible for carrying out the work.

Prior to preventive annealing, residents of settlements and owners of facilities near which preventive measures will be held are informed. To prevent the passage of equipment and the exit of people into the danger zone during annealing, posts are set up.

Unauthorized burning of dry vegetation is prohibited.