Council and democracy

Candle safety

To maximise your enjoyment of candles follow the guidelines on safe use listed below:

• Never leave a candle burning unattended and remember to extinguish before you go to sleep.
• Burn all candles in or on a suitable, non-flammable holder and ensure that there is ample headroom for the heat from the flames. Use a heat resistant surface and do not burn on a television or other warm places. Ensure that it is stable and con not be knocked over.
• Keep out of draughts, blowing curtains and other sources of heat and direct sunlight.
• Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on your candles.
• Always leave at least 100mm between candles when burning. Do not burn any candle completely. It is wise to extinguish a candle before it burns into the holder, or in the case of a candle in a container, before it is finished. This minimises the risk of the candle over heating.
• Burn well out of the reach of children and pets.
• Consider an extra smoke alarm in the room(s) that the candle is used in.
• Votive candles, Room Scenters etc: always burn these candles in a suitable glass or holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when burning to increase their fragrance potential.
• Novelty candles: take special care with these candles as they are designed to be decorative rather than functional.
• Outdoor candles, any candle intended for use outdoors must never be used indoors.
• Lanterns or Enclosed holders: always ensure that the lantern is large enough to allow a generous flow of air and is in a safe position. Beware the lantern will become hot.