How to use paraffin safely

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

If not handled with extreme care, it can act as an accelerant to fuel a fire or, if swallowed, it is poisonous, it can burn skin and in extreme cases, it can be fatal.

Paraffin is sold in special containers but sometimes people use different containers which were used for other liquids to store it.

“The dangerous part of this is that when mixed with other chemicals, such as petrol, methylated spirits or turpentine, to name few, the paraffin can react vigorously and cause dangerous flaring or even explode,” said William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS).

“Another problem lies in the use of paraffin appliances.

“If you do not use them correctly, or if you knock them over, they can cause fires, leading to severe destruction of property, burns and injuries.

“Paraffin also gives off harmful fumes, especially when burning.”

DEMS has the following tips regarding paraffin safety:

What to do to prevent a paraffin accident:

• Never leave paraffin appliances unattended. It only takes a second for a gust of wind, pet or child to knock over an appliance such as a light or stove.
• 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 a dry chemical powder (DCP) extinguisher nearby when using any paraffin appliance. Water will not put out a paraffin fire — it will make it worse by spreading the flames.
• Keep lighters and matches out of 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 out the fire.
• 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 them going into shock. Get medical attention as quickly as possible.
• If you spill paraffin, take off the clothing on which it has spilt and wash your skin with soapy water. Paraffin can burn 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 lid (safety cap).
• Always replace the cap after use. Never store paraffin in a used milk or soft drink container. Children could think 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 that 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.

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