Citation

Titi N, van Niekerk A, Arendse N, van As S. Afr. Safety Promot. 2011; 9(1): 1-22.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

South Africa is one of a number of low to middle income settings for which there is an emerging scientific and social platform for burn prevention. South African prevention research describes child burn morbidity and mortality patterns, circumstances of burn occurrence, and emerging prevention initiatives. Despite the extent and severity of burns due to clothing ignition, little is known about the causes and prevention of garment ignition burns amongst children. This study aimed to identify studies that investigate the role of garments in children's burns; and to review international and South African legislation that have been proposed or demonstrated the prevention or control of such burns. The literature search focused on South African and international publications with 46 texts retrieved, with 13 referring specifically to South Africa and the rest to international settings. These resources identified aetiological and legislative findings and recommendations pertaining to wearing apparel. This review indicates that the occurrence of garment burns is influenced by the flammability of fabric, the behaviour of the wearer and the proximity of a heat source. The review describes in detail the principal physical, chemical and thermal properties that characterise fabric flammability. The review indicates that international prevention legislation is largely focused on the classification and coding of children's fire-retardant clothing, the ease of fabric ignition, and the ignition rate of ensuing flames. This review did not find evidence for laws or national standards pertaining to burn safety standards for clothing manufacturing in South Africa. This review recommends that consideration be given to formulating standards for the labeling, advertising, and composition of children's clothing. Legislation that governs garment manufacturers' and retailers' responsibilities for the marketing and sale of clothes with the specification of flame retardant attributes and properties is urgently required.

Language: en