Toolbox Talk: Bandaging Materials
A plastic bandage can be used to cover a simple, small wound. The wound must NOT need padding or compression. A plastic bandage should only be used over a non-moving area. For example, the space between the knuckles on the shaft of a finger is okay; between the fingers or over a knuckle is not.
A large plastic bandage is used to cover a wound of intermediate size. This usually will be a skin surface injury such as an abrasion or superficial burn. To successfully cover and protect, the injury area must be fairly flat.
A laceration may be treatable at home or work (without medical attention) if:
1. there is no protruding fat
2. the laceration stops bleeding rapidly (within 10 minutes)
3. the edges appear to match perfectly
4. the cut doesn’t open with traction on nearby skin
5. the edges don’t separate with the use of the injured part
6. the area is not “tricky” or critical (such as face, genitals, or knuckle)
7. there is no numbness, weakness, or difficulty moving the injured area
