Candle Safety Guide
Candles play a significant role in religious ceremonies, creating a sacred and reverent atmosphere. This guide will ensure your candles are used safely and correctly in your church.
Preparing Your Candle Before Lighting
Candles should be stored in a cool, dark environment, horizontally and away from direct sunlight and extreme changes in temperatures. Ideally, candles should be used within 2 years of purchase.
Ensure the candle is on a level, stable surface and is sufficiently secured on the altar, stands, or in votive holders, ensuring they are stable and away from drapes, decorations, or any flammable materials commonly found in worship spaces. Before lighting ensure the wick is not twisted and trimmed to 1/4” (6mm) in length and is standing upright to ensure a steady, smoke-free flame.
Lighting Candles Safely
Always use a proper lighting taper or lighter as this will prevent any unwanted debris falling into the candle wax which can result in burning problems. When re-lighting a candle ensure there is no debris in the wax and that the wick remains in an upright position. Should a candle burn with a small flame, extinguish it and once cooled scrape away the top of the candle until 1/4"(6mm) of wick is exposed.
Never leave lit candles unattended, especially when the church is empty. Designate a responsible person to monitor the candles during services or prayer times. Ensure candles are placed at a safe distance from flowers, altar cloths, and other decorations. When multiple candles are used on an altar or stand, maintain at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) between each one.
Extinguishing the Flame Safely
To extinguish a candle, do not blow the flame as this can result in wax splashing out of the wax pool. A candle snuffer can be purchased from DM Hay but be careful not to damage the wick when using a snuffer.
Burning Candles Safely in Draughts
Draughts can considerably affect the burning of a candle but can also be unavoidable. DM Hay sell candle caps, also referered to as candle protectors or candle followers, which are designed to aid the burning of candles in draughty spaces. They work by controlling the air-flow around the candle delivering sufficient air for the candles to burn correctly. As well as improving safety they can significantly extend burn times. Please call us to discuss your specific requirements
Eco-Friendly Practices in Churches
Encourage eco-friendly practices by using candles made from sustainable waxes, like beeswax, and recycling candle stubs for future use. Please refer to our own candle recycling service for details on how we can collect and recycle old and waste candle wax.
Additional Safety Tips
For larger church candles, such as paschal or sanctuary candles, ensure they are placed in holders that prevent tipping, especially in high-traffic areas.
Burn altar candles and sanctuary lights for the recommended time as prolonged burning can cause overheating or wax spillage.
Use hot water to clean wax from metal, glass or ceramic holders and take care on some coloured glass holders not to remove the colouring.
Be aware not to burn candles too close to flammable items with a suggested two feet vertical clearance between the flame and material or surface.