St Louis Primary School, Newmarket Candle Policy
St Louis Roman Catholic Primary School, Newmarket
Learning Together in Faith
Candle Policy
Purpose: To explain set out the School’s policy with regarding to the use of lighted candles on School premises.
Next Last Review Date: 5 June 201209 Review period: 3 Years
Introduction
The use of lit candles, particularly as part of the school's religious life, is very important. Thise Candle Policy provides guidance designed to mitigate the risk associated with using lit naked flamescandles during school activities.
The single most important contribution to the safe use of lit candles is the application of and does not replace common sense. Before using lit candles, eachAll teachers should consider whether such use is necessary and whether the teacher feels are to be competent in dealing controlling with the risks associated with lit candles. All teachers using candles should and have current first aid training.
The Risks
The risks associated with the use of lit candles are:
1. burns to children (and staff!others)
2. ignition of other material (e.g. ed hair or drapes)
3. fire damage to property
The causes are:
a. naked flame
b. hot wax.
Where, in the opinion of the teacher, the risk are not adequately controlled, the candle MUST should be extinguished. In the event of any uncertainty about the use of lit candles,
If there is any confusion or uncertainty, obtain advice from the Head or Deputy Head.
Mitigating the
Awareness of the Risks
Supervision. Be aware of children’s proximity to candles. Do not leave a lighted candle unattended.
Children’s awareness. Consider each child’s appreciation of the dangers presented by lit candles.
Positioning of the candle. Be aware of flammable materials near the flame. Specifically loose fabric and human hair. Draughts caused by passing children or the wind may increase the risk as the flammable material blows around.
Lighting. It would not be normal for a child to be allowed to light a candle, but if a children isare permitted to light the a candle, an adult must be within arms lengthin close supervision.
Extinguishing. Put the candle out some time before vacating the room to ensure it is properly out. Never leave a lit candle unattended.
Wax. Monitor the candle and keep hot wax under control.
Children moving the candle. Any child who is to move a lit candle (e.g. in church) should be given clear safety instructions before each such event. Where possible, an adult should sStay within arms length of any child moving a candle. Pay special attention to loose hair as this can ignite and burn quickly.
Processions
Processions with candles raise particular risks which staff must be aware of. These risks are:
1. It is unlikely that sufficient adults will be in sufficiently close proximity to be able to closely monitor every child.
2. There are multiple sources of ignition and potentially multiple source of flammable material.
An individual s Staff member should be given the duty to consider aeach procession as an individual event and carry out a risk assessment looking at numbers, location, clothing and, available first aid equipment, among others.
Clearly brief the children on the risks and what behaviour is expected of them.
Consider keeping a minimum distance between each child and how the risk of ' to control bunching' can be reduced.
Avoid low level racks holding lighted lit candles as children will naturally tend to lean over candles exposing them to risk.
Quickly deal with any loss of concentration or inappropriate behaviour and be. Be prepared to halt or cancel the procession if the risks become too great.
The nominated staff member should undertakeCarry out a post- procession review and advise the Deputy or Head Teacher (as the Health & Safety Officer) of any incidents or other matters requiring attention.
Minor Incidents
As with all accidents in school, rRecord any minor incidents involving lit candles in the accident book and note specifically that candles were involved.
Burns
Follow correct first aid procedures and ensure appropriate first aid equipment is available.
Fire
The staff are briefed by the Head Teacher on the evacuation procedure and assembly points and each classroom has a poster showing the basic information. In the event of a fire, follow the guidance provided by the Head Teacher.
Follow correct procedures.
END
Candle Policy 250609.doc Page 3