Paraffin safety tips

Paraffin can be used as a source of energy in your home during cold winter months and during load shedding.

The product should be handled with extreme care as it is flammable. Paraffin, if swallowed, is poisonous and can be fatal.

While it is sold in a special container, many people empty the product into a container designed for another product.

This can be dangerous when the new container was used for another chemical – which can then create a dangerous reaction.

Residents should be careful when using paraffin appliances, as the incorrect use can result in damage to property or even the loss of life.

How to prevent a paraffin accident:

•  Never leave a paraffin appliance unattended. It only takes a second for a gust of wind, pet or child to knock over an appliance.
•  The appliances should, at all times, be on a flat, firm, horizontal surface.
•  Don`t put cloths under paraffin appliances. A child or pet could pull the trailing end of the cloth and it could catch fire.
•  Always have a bucket of sand or Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) extinguisher nearby when using any paraffin appliance.

NB: Water will not put out a paraffin fire – it will make it worse by spreading the flames.

•  Keep lighters and matches away from the reach of children and never keep paraffin near matches, lighters or lit paraffin appliances.
•  Always refill the paraffin appliances before use or refill while cold.

Fires and burns – treatment:

•  If your clothing catches fire, don`t run. Drop to the ground and roll to put out the flames. Running around will make the flames worse.
•  If someone else is on fire, roll them in a blanket or jacket. This will stop the air from getting to the fire and will put the fire out.
•  If burn wounds have occurred, pour cold water onto the wound very gently and get medical assistance.
•  If the burn is over a large area, keep the person warm because there is a serious risk of going into shock. Get medical attention as quickly as possible.
•  If you spill paraffin, take off the clothing it has split on and wash your skin with soapy water. Paraffin can burn the skin even if not lit.

Poisoning prevention:

•  Do not leave children alone and make sure they understand that paraffin is dangerous.
•  Try to by pre-packaged paraffin in a container, with a childproof safety cap.
•  Always replace the cap after use. Never store paraffin in a used soft drink container. Children could think it is milk or cool drink and drink it by mistake.
•  When refilling paraffin, use a liquid funnel not a cup. Children could drink it.
•  Keep children away from the paraffin appliances and make sure there`s enough fresh air to prevent them from breathing in dangerous fumes.

Poisoning treatment:

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

For emergency services, call the national toll free number 10177 or 112.

Alternatively, use the Life Threatening Ekurhuleni Emergency Line of 011 458-0911.