Is Your Troop Prepared To Use Stoves, Lanterns and Fuel Safely?

Remember the seven elements of a good stove and fuel safety program:

1. Training - Make sure that everyone, youth and adult, goes through a hands-on stove, lantern and fuel safety session at least once a year. Everyone who operates a stove or lantern or handles fuel should be certified in safety procedures.
   
   
2. Supervision - Designate an adult leader to monitor youth whenever they are handling fuel or using stoves or lanterns.
   
   
3. Maintenance - Clean and test all stoves, lanterns and fuel containers at least once a year. Repair or replace any that are not working properly. Double-check them before each outing.
   
   

4. Storage - Check all stored fuel - old fuel can become unstable and may pose a threat of explosions! If you are not sure, dispose of it properly and replace it.
   
   
5. Transportation - Always transport fuel in an approved metal container. When carrying fuel in packs, keep it separated from food. Liquid fuels are poison and will make you sick, or worse, if they contaminate your food.
   
   
6. Field Safety
   
   
• Never refuel a hot stove or lantern.
• Store all fuel containers in a single designated place (fuel dump) a safe distance from any sources of heat or flames.
• Fuel dumps and refueling sites should be downhill from any sources of heat or flames. Fuel fumes are heavier than air and will flow downhill like water!
• Never operate any stove or lantern in an enclosed space - fumes from burning fuel are poison!
• Never operate any stove or lantern inside a tent - No Flames in Tents!
  
  
7. Enforcement - Revoke the certification of anyone who misuses these dangerous items. Require them to be re-certified before they use them again.