Education and Training
About the Safety Education Project
The Paraffin Safety Association has recently developed a number of safety education resources directed at the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of harmful paraffin related domestic incidents. Experienced adult basic education materials specialists as well as Paraffin Safety Association staff participated in the development of the resources. Age, language, literacy levels, gender issues, rural and urban needs, and socio economic status were taken into account during the development. Many of the resources were translated into different languages. The materials have been designed to meet the requirements of training and equipping the trainer as well as being suitable for audiences with an adult basic level of education. The materials have been used with a wide range of audiences including primary and high school learners, educators, nurses and community health workers. Extensive consultation processes, as well as pre-testing materials, occurred before the resources were finalised.
The Paraffin Safety Association has recently developed a number of safety education resources directed at the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of harmful paraffin related domestic incidents. Experienced adult basic education materials specialists as well as Paraffin Safety Association staff participated in the development of the resources. Age, language, literacy levels, gender issues, rural and urban needs, and socio economic status were taken into account during the development. Many of the resources were translated into different languages. The materials have been designed to meet the requirements of training and equipping the trainer as well as being suitable for audiences with an adult basic level of education. The materials have been used with a wide range of audiences including primary and high school learners, educators, nurses and community health workers. Extensive consultation processes, as well as pre-testing materials, occurred before the resources were finalised.
The safety and skill development messages are delivered through facilitators using a “train-the-trainer” or cascade model. A number of master trainers have been equipped with skills to conduct training to other trainers and community messengers. The trainers in turn conduct training workshops for end users and community messenger.
Adult basic education materials specialist, Barbara Hutton presenting at a master trainer workshop, March 2005, Durban
Paraffin Safety Rules
Prevention of fires and burns
- Always turn your stove or lamp off when you leave the room.
- Matches and lighters should be kept away from children and stored out of reach.
- Teach your child not to touch matches, lighters or appliances.
- Always keep paraffin stoves and lamps on a flat surface so they will not fall over and start a fire.
- Do not put a cloth on the table when using paraffin appliances. A child could pull it off and cause an accident.
- Paraffin and electrical fires can only be extinguished with sand or a fire extinguisher. Water will make the fire spread.
Treatment
- If paraffin is spilt on someone, wash the skin and remove the clothes. Paraffin can burn the skin.
- If your clothing catches fire, drop to the ground and roll to put out the flames. If someone else is on fire roll them in a blanket or jacket to put out the flames.
- If someone has been burned, very gently pour cold water on the burn to cool the skin.
- Keep the burn closely covered with a clean cloth and get the person to a doctor.
- If the burn is over a large area, keep the person warm after you have cooled the skin with water. Get them to a doctor immediately.
Prevention of Paraffin poison
- Make sure your child is looked after by a trusted adult. Most accidents happen when children are left alone or unsupervised.
- Always store paraffin in a bottle with a childproof cap. Always replace the safety cap after use.
- Buy pre-packed paraffin if it is available.
- Store your paraffin bottle out of reach of children.
- When you pour paraffin into a stove or lamp, use a funnel not a cup. If you use a cup, the child might think it contains water and drink from it.
- Leave a window open to let out dangerous paraffin fumes when cooking. Make sure your child is well away from paraffin appliances.
Treatment
- If a child accidentally swallows paraffin, don’t give the child anything to eat or drink.
- Never make a child vomit as this forces paraffin into the lungs and causes pneumonia.
- If a child swallows paraffin take the child to a clinic or hospital immediately.
Safety Message Downloads
Handy Safety Message Sheet - English only:
Safety Fact Sheets – all Languages (PDFs):
Educational resources
A Training Manual
It consists of two modules; a core module covering information on paraffin and paraffin safety, and a facilitator’s module which provides comprehensive information on workshop facilitation skills including how to structure communication for different audiences. The manual is in English only and intended for use by master trainers and other trainers.
Handbook / Field Guide
This is a 64 page, full cover A5 handbook in all 11 languages. It is intended for master trainers, trainers, community messengers and as a “leave behind” reference book for institutions.
Posters
The 11 posters are the backbone of the training material. A3 or A2 size full colour (or black and white) laminated posters are available in all 11 languages and are used as display material in schools, clinics, government centres, churches, etc. The illustrations are very informative and can be used to stimulate discussion even with low literacy audiences.
Poster Presenters Pack
A3 or A2 size full colour laminated posters are available in all 11 languages and designed for use in a training workshop. They are bound into free-standing flipcharts and are collapsible. Each pack is accompanied by a set of presenter notes for use by trainers whilst conducting safety workshops.
8 page colour educational supplement
An A4 size 8 page colour educational supplement. It is intended for all audiences but especially end-users (consumers). It is available in all 11 languages and used as follows:
- A “leave behind” resource containing the key paraffin safety messages, in an accessible language (used in training, at displays, in competition, etc.)
- A supplement for insertion in community newspapers, magazines, etc.
Fact Sheets
This resource is a simple list of key messages in bullet format on a single A5 sheet of colour paper. It is also prepared in all 11 languages and is used as a handout. It has the advantage of being inexpensive to produce and distribute. Its key disadvantage is the fact that it is only useful to literate consumers who can understand the written messages.
