Practice caution when using paraffin appliances
Never use water to put out a paraffin fire. It will not put the fire out, on the contrary, it can make matters worse by spreading the fire.
POLOKWANE – To assist the estimated 20-million South Africans that have no choice but to cook on sub-standard paraffin stoves, the Paraffin Safety Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) and Working on fire (WOF) are urging people to be safe this holiday season.
“The deadly consequences of combining a dangerous fuel and sub-standard appliances are frighteningly familiar in most informal settlements,” WOF Spokesperson, Matema Gwangwa told Review.
“Unfortunately, for the foreseeable future paraffin is likely to remain the most affordable, convenient and practical energy source for many South African households, which is why we’re tackling the problem of safety around these stoves,” she added.
People who use paraffin stoves for various purposes are at high risk of having fire accidents at this time of the year.
PSASA says overcrowded shacks catch fire easily. According to PSASA, people should remember that paraffin is dangerous and they must be careful when using it.
Paraffin safety tips:
• Never leave a paraffin appliance switched on unattended.
• Before leaving a room, always turn off paraffin stoves or lights.
• Always enure paraffin appliances are placed on a flat and solid surface to avoid someone knocking them over.
• Do not put a cloth under a paraffin appliance. A child or pet could pull on the cloth and knock the paraffin appliance over, inciting a fire.
• Always have a bucket of sand nearby when using a paraffin appliance to help put out a fire if necessary.
• Never use water to put out a paraffin fire. It will not put the fire out, on the contrary, it can make matters worse by spreading the fire. Paraffin fires can only be put out using sand or a fire extinguisher.
• Keep lighters and matches in places where children cannot reach them.
• Never store paraffin near matches, lighters or paraffin appliances.
• Do not leave children alone near a paraffin appliance. Ensure children understand that paraffin is dangerous.
• Try to buy paraffin in a container with a childproof or safety cap. Never store paraffin in a used milk or cool drink bottle; a thirsty child could mistake it for water or cool drink and drink it.
