Ethanol burner safety
Read about the mandatory safety standard for ethanol burners what legal requirements the devices must have if you are using one.
What are ethanol burners?
Decorative alcohol fuelled devices (often called ethanol burners and ethanol fireplaces) are sold for heating and display purposes. Burners are typically fuelled with liquid ethanol. The most common form is methylated spirits, often marketed as bio-ethanol or eco-fuel.
There are 3 common types of ethanol burners:
- table-top devices are small and designed to sit on a table (these are no longer legal)
- freestanding devices are larger and heavier. They 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 (wall-mounted or recessed), often referred to as ‘fireplaces’.
Here are some examples of ethanol burners:
Risks and injuries
While beautiful, these devices can be hazardous when children and pets are present, and when they are being refuelled. When fuel is low, the flame can appear blue or clear, making it difficult to see.
Refuelling when a flame is present or when the device is still warm can lead to an explosion.
There is also a risk of the device being knocked over by children or pets, causing serious burns to people nearby, as well as damage to property.
These devices can lead to:
- death
- serious burn injuries requiring intensive care, skin grafts, lengthy hospital stays and ongoing physiotherapy
- house fires.
Safety requirements
A mandatory safety standard for decorative alcohol-fuelled devices sold in Australia was introduced in July 2017. According to the standard, devices must:
- be a permanent fixture, or have a dry weight of at least 8 kilograms and have a footprint of at least 900 square centimetres
- meet the stability test set out in the European Standard
- come with a fuel container with a flame arrester or an automatic fuel pump system
- have the prescribed warning (see below).
Prescribed warning
WARNING
Filling an alcohol fuelled device while lit has caused severe burns and deaths.
You must remove the fuel tank from the device before refilling.
When refilling only use containers with a flame arrester.
When refilling first check the flame is extinguished and that the device is cool.
WARNING
Filling an alcohol fuelled device while lit has caused severe burns and deaths.
When refilling only use containers with a flame arrester.
When refilling first check the flame is extinguished and that the device is cool.
WARNING
Filling an alcohol fuelled device while lit has caused severe burns and deaths.
When refilling first check the flame is extinguished and that the device is cool.
Your consumer rights
As a consumer, you have the right to expect that the goods you buy are safe.
Australian Consumer Law requires safety standards to be met before certain goods are sold. These standards include:
- the way the good is made
- what it contains
- how it works
- the tests it needs to pass
- whether any warnings or instructions need to accompany it.
Penalties
The penalty for individuals is $2.5 million.
The penalty for a body corporate is the greater of:
- $50 million
- if the Court can determine the value of the 'reasonably attributable' benefit obtained, 3 times that value, or
- if the Court cannot determine the value of the 'reasonably attributable' benefit, 30% of the corporation's adjusted turnover during the breach turnover period for the contravention.
Be a savvy consumer
If you have a table-top device you should stop using it.
If you bought an ethanol burner before the mandatory safety standard was introduced in July 2017, and it does not meet the standard, you should return the item to the seller with your proof of purchase to obtain a refund.
Consumers who want to buy an ethanol burner should check with the retailer that the device complies with the safety standard.
- Always follow the safety instructions.
- Take extreme care when refuelling fixed or freestanding devices. Only use a fuel container with a flame arrester or an automatic fuel pump.
- When you’re refuelling your device:
- extinguish flames completely and check the device is cool before refilling
- if possible, remove the fuel tank from the device before refilling
- only use the recommended fuel for the device
- 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 in sunlight or in bright conditions. This can lead you to think that the flame has gone out
- clean up spills immediately, as pooled vapours may explode when the device is relit.
- When lighting your device:
- use the lighting tool that comes with the device as it should be long enough to safely light the fuel tank. Alternatively, use a BBQ lighter (or similar device) to remain at a safe distance when lighting the flame. Never use matches or cigarette lighters.
- When extinguishing the device, use the extinguishing tool that comes with the device. Make sure you extinguish all flames when leaving the room and before going to sleep. Never use water as this may cause the flames to spread.
- If there is a fire - use a powder extinguisher or a fire blanket to smother the fire. Use dirt or sand if you don’t have these. If you cannot control the fire, move away from it and contact the fire emergency service by calling 000.
How to report a product safety concern
If you become aware of an unsafe situation or item, whether or not anyone has been injured:
- alert the supplier about the issue
- report to Product Safety Australia.
Making a complaint
When making a complaint, you should include:
- details of the issues you are experiencing
- copies of any correspondence that shows how you have tried to resolve the matter.
How Fair Trading will handle your complaint
Your complaint will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate resolution. This may include:
- providing you with information to help resolve your complaint
- recording the complaint issues to assist in future compliance programs, or
- contacting the other party to try and resolve the dispute.
You can lodge a complaint:
Online
If you cannot resolve your matter, submit your complaint by using our form.
By mail
Post your complaint form and documentation to:
NSW Fair Trading
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124
Ask a question
If you are unable to find the information you need, you can call us between 8:30am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. You can also use our form to make an enquiry.