Fire Risk

Emollients can soak into clothing, bedding, and dressings. Once dried, this residue makes fabrics highly flammable.

Fires can start quickly if contaminated fabrics come into contact with:

  • Cigarettes, matches, or lighters
  • Open flames or heaters
  • Cooking hobs

Who's most at risk?

People who use emollients regularly and are:

  • Over 40
  • Smokers
  • Living alone or receiving care
  • Experiencing limited mobility

How to stay safe

  • Avoid Flames and Heat: Keep contaminated fabrics away from fire and heat.
  • Wash Regularly: Wash clothing and bedding daily at the highest safe temperature. This may reduce but not eliminate the risk.
  • Be Cautious When Smoking: Never smoke in bed or near contaminated clothing.
  • Take Care When Cooking: Stay clear of open flames and hot surfaces.
  • Spread Awareness: Let family and carers know about the risks.

Do you support someone who uses Emollient?

If you care for someone who uses emollient skin products, it’s vital to be aware of the associated fire risks. This is especially important if the person:

  • Smokes.  
  • Uses home oxygen therapy.
  • Experiences memory loss, confusion or drowsiness.
  • May struggle to respond or escape in the event of a fire. 

Key Safety Actions:

  • Ensure the person understands the fire risk and receives appropriate advice.
  • Share fire safety concerns with family members, carers, and any professionals involved in their care.
  • If the person continues to smoke despite advice, consider support for quitting and supervised smoking.
  • Carry out a person-centered risk assessment that includes fire safety considerations.
  • If the person would need help to escape in the event of a fire, explore monitored smoke detection options such as telecare services.  

Are you a Prescriber or Dispenser of Emollients?

If you prescribe, dispense, or apply emollients:

  • Always inform patients about the fire risk and provide clear safety guidance.
  • Remember that all emollients – whether paraffin-based or not, can pose a fire risk once absorbed into fabrics.
  • Help support care planning by sharing fire safety information with carers and other professionals. 

Safe use of emollients

Emollients are important in helping lots of people to manage dry skin conditions. They are easily transferred from skin on to clothing and bedding. When fabric with dried-on emollient comes into contact with a naked flame, the resulting fire burns quickly and intensely. People should continue to use emollients but to avoid serious injury, it's important to avoid any naked flame.

#KnowTheFireRisk 

WYFRS Emollient Video