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Paraffin safety in the home

<h2 class="sectHeading">Preventing paraffin fires and burns</h2><p>By following a few simple hints, you can help prevent and treat paraffin incidents. Share this information with friends, family and colleagues – it could help save someone's life.</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p>Paraffin is sometimes sold in containers contaminated with petrol, or mixed with methylated spirits – this can cause it to flare or even explode.</p></div></div><p> <b>Protect your family and household by learning the following paraffin safety tips:</b> </p><ul><li>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.</li><li>Make sure paraffin appliances are on a flat, firm surface where they cannot fall over and start a fire.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>Keep lighters and matches away from children and never store paraffin near matches, lighters or lit paraffin appliances.</li></ul><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info toptip"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Top tip</h4><p>Never use water to put out an oil or paraffin fire, or to treat a person who has been burned. The most effective way to put out a paraffin fire is with sand or a fire extinguisher.</p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Treating fires and burns</h2><p> </p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info remember"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Remember</h4><p>Call Emergency Services immediately: <em> <strong>107</strong></em><strong> </strong>on<strong> </strong>a landline, or <em><a>021 480 7700</a></em> from a cellphone </p></div></div> <b>Please take note of the following:</b> <p> </p><ul><li>If your clothing catches fire, drop to the ground and roll around to put out the flames. Running around will make it worse.</li><li>If someone else is on fire, roll them in a wet blanket or jacket. This will prevent air getting to the fire and will extinguish it.</li><li>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.</li><li>If the burn covers a large area of the body, keep the person warm as there is a serious risk they will go into shock. Get them medical attention as quickly as possible.</li><li>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.</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Prevent paraffin poisoning</h2><p> Beware, paraffin can be highly poisonous.</p><ul><li>Do not leave children alone without someone to watch them.</li><li>Make sure children understand that paraffin is dangerous.</li><li>Try to buy pre-packaged paraffin in a container with a childproof or safety cap.</li><li>Always replace the cap after using paraffin.</li><li>Never store paraffin in a used milk or cool drink bottle, as a child could mistakenly drink it.</li><li>When pouring paraffin, use a funnel instead of a cup; children could think that because paraffin is poured from a cup it is safe to drink.</li><li>Keep children away from paraffin appliances and make sure that there’s enough fresh air to prevent them breathing in dangerous fumes.</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Treating paraffin poisoning</h2><p>Paraffin is poisonous – never let a child drink any. They could become very ill and even die.</p><ul><li>If a child accidentally swallows paraffin, do not give them anything to eat or drink. Get the child medical attention as soon as possible.</li><li>Never try to make someone who has drunk paraffin vomit. This could force the paraffin into the lungs and cause serious damage.</li></ul><p>This information is kindly provided by the Paraffin Safety Association Southern Africa (PASASA). For more on paraffin safety visit the Household Energy Safety Association of South Africa<i class="icon link-external"></i>.</p>

Help prevent and treat paraffin incidents in the home by following these simple tips.