Butane Lighter Safety

Fire safety, especially with butane lighters, can save your life.

From gas lighters like Zippo to the modern butane lighter, ease and reliability--as well as not having to continually buy matches or disposal lighters--have been trademarks of refillable lighters. But when you're using a butane lighter, there are some safety rules you should follow.

Open Air

Never refill a butane lighter in a small closed space such as a car or a small cabin. The gas may be odorless, but it can cause a number of health issues if inhaled, even in small doses.

Heat

Lighters should always be given time to cool before being refilled. A hot lighter could potentially light the butane being used to refuel. The lighter should be held away from the face and clothing of the person refilling it.

Children

Never allow a child to play with a butane lighter. Accidents can happen easily.

Exposure

If any butane gets on your skin, it should be washed thoroughly. If a person's eyes are exposed to butane, the individual should be washed for 15 minutes. If pain persists, the person should seek medical attention.

Storage

Lighters should never be stored near a heat source or fire such as a stove, radiator, fireplace or direct sunlight.

References

• Tobacco Barn: Lighter Safety
• Lighter Safety