Safe use of candles

Good quality, slow-burning candles are best. Cheaper, catering-quality candles will burn down quickly, and the flame can soon get dangerously close to foliage or decorations.

Take care if you plan to give candles to the congregation to hold, especially where large numbers are involved. Apart from the risk of igniting service sheets, etc, molten wax can cause damage to clothing and is very hot. Purpose-made candles are available and should be used with proper slide-on card drip trays.

Children with candles should be supervised at all times. Make sure they don't stand too close together, as there’s a risk of both clothing and hair catching fire. Processions while holding candles are probably best avoided.

Candles must be kept well clear of all combustible materials, including decorations, foliage, and electrical equipment. Ideally, put candles in metal holders on non-combustible surfaces such as stone or brick. Candles should never be placed directly on Christmas trees.

Every church should have at least two extinguishers of the appropriate type, and these should be examined and serviced regularly.

Water extinguishers are the most suitable for dealing with burning foliage, paper, and wood, but must not be used on electrical equipment.

Stewards must know where the extinguishers are and how to use them. Training can be provided by your fire extinguisher supplier.

A fire blanket may be a better way of dealing with fire in certain situations; they are particularly suitable for use on burning clothing. You should have at least one available for use.

If a fire starts, people must be able to evacuate the building easily. Escape route doors must be unlocked before the service and capable of being opened quickly.

A steward should be located at each door, and at least one person should be given the task of calling the fire brigade.

Stewards should have torches so issues can be dealt with quickly without switching on the main lights. But in the event of a fire or other serious emergency, the main lights must be brought on immediately.

• Appoint a team of stewards and give each person specific duties in accordance with a list of written procedures.
• A specific steward should be appointed to each door and must ensure that it opens easily before the service starts.
• Responsibility for fire extinguishers should be given to specific stewards who know how to use them.
• The person leading the service should be aware of the fire risk and, in the event of an emergency, be ready to ask everyone to leave calmly, following the directions of the stewards.
• For large services, a trained first aider with first aid equipment should be available.
• Candles should never be left burning when there’s no responsible person left in the church.
• Always ensure all candles are extinguished before locking up.