Paraffin should always be handled with extreme care, as it is poisonous and can cause severe illness, even death if it is swallowed. It can burn your skin even if unlit. Paraffin is often sold in containers contaminated with chemicals such as petrol, or even purposely mixed with volatile fuels such as methylated spirits. This can cause it to flare dangerously or even explode.

Paraffin can cause severe burns, and paraffin stoves that are knocked over or explode are a major cause of injuries and fires in informal settlements. Paraffin also emits harmful fumes when ignited.

What can you do to prevent paraffin accidents?

Fires and burns - prevention:

• Never leave a paraffin appliance unattended. It only takes a second for a gust of wind, pet or child to knock over a light or stove
• Make sure paraffin appliances are on a flat, firm surface
• Do not put a cloth under a paraffin appliance. A child or pet could pull the trailing end and the cloth will then burn, helping to fuel the fire
• Always have a bucket of sand nearby when using a paraffin appliance. Water will not put out a paraffin fire and can make matters worse by spreading the flames. Paraffin fires can only be extinguished using sand or a fire extinguisher
• Keep lighters and matches away from children and never store paraffin near matches, lighters or lit paraffin appliances

Fires and burns - treatment:

• If your clothing catches fire, drop to the ground and roll to put out the flames. Running around will make matters worse
• If someone else is on fire, roll them in a blanket or jacket. This will prevent air getting to the fire and will extinguish it
• If someone has been burned, pour cold water onto the burn very gently and get him or her to a doctor, clinic or hospital immediately
• If the burn is over a large area keep the person warm as there is a serious risk they will go into shock. Get them medical attention as quickly as possible
• If you spill paraffin, remove any clothing it has spilt on and wash the skin with soap and water. Paraffin can burn your skin even when it is not lit

Poisoning - prevention:

• Do not leave children unsupervised and make sure they understand that paraffin is dangerous
• Try to buy pre-packaged paraffin in a container with a childproof or safety cap. Always replace the cap after use. Never store paraffin in a used milk or cool drink bottle as a child could mistakenly drink it. When pouring paraffin, use a funnel, not a cup. Children could think that because paraffin is poured from a cup it is safe to drink
• Keep children away from paraffin appliances and make sure that there’s enough fresh air to prevent them breathing in dangerous fumes

Poisoning - treatment:

• Paraffin is poisonous. Never let a child drink any. They could become very ill, even die
• If a child accidentally swallows paraffin, do not give them anything to eat or drink. Get the child medical attention as soon as possible
• Never try to make someone who has drunk paraffin vomit. This could force the paraffin into the lungs and cause serious damage

By following these few simple hints, you can help prevent and treat paraffin incidents. You can also assist Paraffin Safety by sharing this information with friends, family and colleagues – it could help save someone’s life.

This information is kindly provided by the Paraffin Safety Association Southern Africa (PASASA).