Lighter manufacturer BIC and Irish fire safety has teamed up with Phoenix STS to announce National Lighter Safety Day as part of its commitment to protecting European consumers against dangerous products.
New research from BIC carried out by iReach has revealed that two-thirds of lighter models sold in European don’t meet safety standards, with an influx of non-compliant lighter imports to Ireland and insufficient fire safety education.
Pocket lighters are a common household item in Ireland, with 45% of adults using a pocket lighter regularly. According to the study, 56% of people use pocket lighters for lightning candles and 31% for fires.
Almost half (46%) of regular lighter users have experienced problems with high flames, while over a third (38%) reported problems with inconsistent flame height and nearly two-thirds (62%) of lighter accidents have led to injuries.
Some 87% of adults said they are unaware of the mandatory Irish and European lighter safety standards, while only 54% of parents have taught their children about lighter safety and only 41% of parents have a home safety exit plan in case of emergency.
‘Lighters’ quality and safety is an absolute priority for BIC. A lighter is basically pressurised gas in a plastic reservoir that is lit by a flame. It can present a very real danger if it is not designed and manufactured to the correct standards,’ Henri Nicolau, general manager of Bic UK and Ireland commented.
Paddy McDonnell, CEO of Phoenix STS, said: ‘This research clearly highlights the need for lighter safety education, particularly amongst parents. We would encourage all parents to speak to their children about lighter safety and what to do if they come into contact with a lighter, whether that be inside or outside the home.
‘It’s also important for parents to familiarise themselves with the child safety feature on lighters to minimise any potential fire risks. We would also remind all families of the importance of having a home fire safety plan and to be extra vigilant at this time of the year.’
Top 5 Lighter Safety Tips
- Store lighters out of sight and reach of children, in a secure location.
- Teach young children to tell an adult immediately if they find a lighter or matches, and not to touch them. Not all parents own lighters. Even if you do not have a pocket lighter in your home, a child could encounter one almost anywhere.
- Explain that lighters are dangerous adult tools, and ensure children know that lighters are not toys. Never use novelty lighters that look like toys or playful objectsaround children.
- Never use a lighter if it’s been compromised in any way, for example, after exposure to excessive heat or prolonged sunlight, or in violation of the warnings and instructions accompanying all BIC Lighters.
- Know that all lighters are not created equal.All BIC® pocket lighters meet or exceed International safety standards. Every BIC® lighter undergoes more than 50 automatic quality and security checks before leaving the factory.