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About decorative ethanol fireplaces and burners
There are 3 common types of decorative ethanol fireplaces and burners:
- tabletop devices – small, inexpensive burners designed to sit on a table
- freestanding devices – larger, heavier and generally more expensive than tabletop burners. They are stationary and stand on the floor or are placed against a wall, or in a prominent position as a feature
- fixed devices – installed in a fixed position, usually wall-mounted or recessed, often referred to as fireplaces.
Decorative ethanol fireplaces and burners typically use ethanol in a liquid form or, less commonly, a gel form. Methylated spirits (ethanol with about 10% methanol) may be marketed as bio-ethanol or eco-fuel.
Risks and injuries from the product
Decorative ethanol fireplaces and burners have caused serious burn injuries to consumers. Injuries include burns requiring intensive care, skin grafts, lengthy hospital stays and physiotherapy. Decorative fireplaces and burners have also caused house fires.
Many injuries occur when the fireplace or burner is being refilled with fuel. People can mistakenly refill the fuel vessel while the flame is still alight (a flame is not always visible) or the fuel vessel is still very hot. This can result in ethanol vapour igniting, causing a flash flame or uncontrolled fire.
Tabletop burners are particularly dangerous because:
- the fuel-filling point is also where the flame is lit thereby increasing the risk of a flash flame
- the burners typically have a short burn time due to their limited fuel capacity. This means frequent refilling during a single use which may lead to refilling while it is burning or hot
- the burners are less stable so are more likely to be knocked over.
Things to look for when buying the product
Serious burn injuries have happened to people using decorative fireplaces and burners. For this reason, there’s a mandatory standard that suppliers and retailers must comply with.
Confirm with the retailer that the decorative fireplace or burner you wish to buy complies with the decorative alcohol fuelled devices mandatory standard.
Design and construction
- The decorative fireplace or burner is a permanent fixture or has a dry weight of at least 8 kilograms and a footprint of at least 900 square centimetres.
- Meets the stability test set out in the European standard.
- Comes with a fuel container with a flame arrester or an automatic fuel pump system.
Marks and labels
- The decorative fireplace or burner has the prescribed warning.
How to use the product safely
Take extreme care when refuelling fixed or freestanding ethanol fireplaces and burners.
If you have a tabletop decorative burner you should stop using it before refuelling.
Only use a fuel container with a flame arrester or an automatic fuel pump, and follow the safety instructions.
Fuelling and refuelling
- Extinguish flames completely and check the fireplace or burner is cool before refilling. This will prevent fuel exploding and causing severe burns or property damage.
- Remove the fuel tank from the fireplace or burner before refilling.
- Only use the recommended fuel for the fireplace or burner. When refilling only use containers with a flame arrester or use an automatic fuel pump. Be aware that flames can be difficult to see, particularly under sunlight or in bright environments. This can lead you to think that the flame has gone out.
- Clean up spills immediately, as pooled vapours may explode when the fireplace or burner is relit.
Lighting the fireplace or burner
- Use the lighting tool that comes with the fireplace or burner as it should be long enough to safely light the fuel tank. Or, use a barbecue lighter or similar device to remain at a safe distance when lighting the flame.
- Lighting the fuel tank with matches or cigarette lighters may cause burns to your skin or clothing.
Extinguishing the fireplace or burner
- Use the extinguishing tool that comes with the fireplace or burner.
- Make sure you extinguish all flames when leaving the room and before going to sleep.
- Never extinguish the flame with water as this may cause the flames to spread.
In case of fire, what to do
- Use a powder fire extinguisher or a fire blanket to smother the fire.
- If you don’t have one, use dirt or sand instead.
- If you cannot control the fire, move away from it and contact your fire emergency service. In Australia, dial 000.
Watch our video about ethanol burner safety
Ethanol fireplaces and table top burners can be attractive home décor items.
But they can cause serious burn injuries to you and your family members and property damage to your home.
Video transcript
Text appears on screen while an ethanol burner is alight in the background:
Ethanol burners may look pretty.
Until they’re not.
Don’t refuel the burner while it’s alight, smouldering or hot.
Don’t fuel the fire.