Safety warnings on homemade items at school fayres

[xanderma]

We are planning our school Xmas Fayre. A parent has offered to make table decorations consisting of a candle surrounded by christmas paraphernalia. She is worried (quite rightly) that we could be in trouble if we do not attach safety information, such as "Do not allow candle to burn within 1" of decorations, do not leave candle unattended" etc. Are we obliged to add such information, or as the items are clearly homemade, do we hope common sense will prevail?

[WendyS]

Gosh, isn't it terrible that all this political correctnes and safety awareness paranoia seems to have gone over the top?? I suppose you could always display one notice warning that candles are dangerous when burned in close proximity to other inflammable items and leave it at that. (And take a photo of it to prove you gave a warning to purchasers). But now I come to think of it, I can't recall one single craft or gift shop selling candles or similar Christmas decorations that displays such a warning notice, can you? If the professionals don't worry about it, I would assume you're probably safe (but on the other hand, the professional retailers probably have public liability insurance !).

[xanderma]

Valid point Wendy, thanks! Yes, it's a sad old world, but I'm finding more & more pitfalls the longer I do this job (I'm Chair of school Friends Assoc.) ---rushes off now to check own Public Liability Insurance---

[Hermia]

In my experience most decorative candles have a little sticker on them with a safety warning. I know all the ones I have bought certainly have and many have come with instructions. I think you should definitely enclose a little note for your own safety!

[Kingaroo]

For dinner parties at our church, we always put the candles inside glass -- a votive or lantern -- and we use those little tealights, which don't drip hot wax. A tall taper would seem to be begging to be knocked over by an enthusiastic party-goer, or would catch someone's sleeve, etc.