Here are some safety tips to consider:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Paraffin heaters:<\/p> \u2022 Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room ventilation.<\/p>\n This includes braziers and coal stoves as they produce deadly fumes and gases.<\/p>\n \u2022 Only use fuel recommended by the heater\u2019s manufacturer.<\/p>\n \u2022 Be sure the heater is in good working condition and has an emergency shut-off valve in case it is tipped over.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep the paraffin\/fuel in a safe approved container away from children, in a well-ventilated area outside the house.<\/p>\n \u2022 Always use a childproof paraffin safety cap on your paraffin bottle and keep matches away from children.<\/p>\n \u2022 Never refill the heater while in operation or hot and do not over fill it.<\/p>\n \u2022 Place the heater away from any combustibles like furniture.<\/p>\n 2. Gas heaters and stoves:<\/p>\n \u2022 Only approved gas appliances should be used.<\/p>\n \u2022 Always keep the gas cylinder in an upright position even during transportation, storage or during use in accordance to the two arrows displayed on the cylinders.<\/p>\n \u2022 Check the o-ring and gas pipe regularly for wear and tear \u2013 replace when necessary.<\/p>\n \u2022 Gas cylinders should be kept away from direct sunlight, rain, dust and any heat source.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do not put a gas cylinder near a hot surface such as a stove or open flame.<\/p>\n \u2022 When cooking, keep the stove above the level of the gas cylinder.<\/p>\n \u2022 When lighting a gas appliance, light the match\/lighter before turning the gas cylinder valve on.<\/p>\n \u2022 When using a gas stove, never use a pot that is too big for the stove.<\/p>\n \u2022 Always keep windows open to ventilate the room or house when using gas.<\/p>\n \u2022 Avoid using garden hoses in place of the approved SABS\/SANS gas pipes.<\/p>\n \u2022 Avoid over filled gas cylinders.<\/p>\n \u2022 After use, close the gas supply source before turning off the appliance.<\/p>\n 3. Fireplace:<\/p>\n \u2022 Be sure the fireplace is installed properly by a qualified technician.<\/p>\n \u2022 Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do not use flammable liquids to start the fire or accelerate flames.<\/p>\n \u2022 Always burn seasoned hardwoods to avoid lots of smoke in the room or house.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep a grate in front of the fireplace opening to prevent sparks from jumping out and unwanted material from going in.<\/p>\n Most fire incidents are caused by negligence and lack of understanding on how to properly and safely use heat or energy sources.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist)\u00a0busiv@caxton.co.za.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\nALSO READ:\u00a0Repair or replace \u2013 which is best?<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Work begins on new fire station in Klopper Park<\/a><\/h4>\n
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