For emergencies
Call 999
09/03/2020
Emollient Use

Emollient products such as creams or liquids are largely safe to use and are often vital for the conditions they are prescribed to treat. Risk exists when emollient products residue builds up in fabrics such as clothing, bedding and bandages. Dried emollient residue makes fabrics more flammable.
What NOT To Do

- Do not use naked flames such as candles, matches, lighters, cookers or open fires if you use emollient products
- Do not smoke or vape if you use emollient products
What TO Do

- Wash fabrics at the highest temperature recommended on the fabric care label to reduce the emollient residue, although this may not totally remove it
- Avoid naked flames such as smoking materials, cookers and heaters
- Be aware that low paraffin emollient products have a similar ignition risk if there is emollient residue build up in fabrics
- Follow the safety advice on your emollient products
- Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or medical professional about the fire risk of the emollient products prescribed to you
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms on each level of your home and test them every month
- Consider requesting a Fire and Wellness Visit to review fire precautions within your home and receive additional advice and guidance
Related articles
To be screened for a Fire and Wellness Visit please follow this link
Safety articles in related categories

Barbecues
When the sun starts shining you may be tempted to do some outdoor cooking.

Do you work with vulnerable people in their homes?
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Prevention Team has put together two free online training sessions. …

We’re supporting national sprinkler campaign – 17 to 23 May 2021
Sprinklers save lives, reduce injuries, protect firefighters and reduce damage to property and the environment