Balloon Health & Safety Tips

 

Please take a moment to read through the following to ensure you are aware of the potential hazards and advice on how to avoid them.

 

Balloonsno-choking

 

Latex Balloons

A fully inflated balloon does not present a hazard to young children, however, burst balloons can be exceedingly dangerous,  throw away the pieces of a burst balloon immediately. Children can be tempted to chew pieces of latex which can be drawn into the mouth and subsequently block airways.

Latex Allergy

Latex can also cause allergic reactions ranging from minor skin irritation to anaphylaxis in a small percentage of the population.

Alternatives are available, such as foil balloons and plastic bubble balloons.

Balloon Valves

Balloon valves are inserted into the neck of latex balloons to create a seal without tying a knot. Please discard immediately and responsibly when balloons have burst and do not allow children to play with an uninflated balloons fitted with a valve, they can present a choking hazard.

Balloon Sticks

Balloon sticks often come in two pieces; a cup which the balloon attaches to and a stick which attaches to the cup. The cup is fairly small and may present a choking hazard if it becomes loose. We would recommend buying a one-piece moulded balloon stick for younger children.

 

Helium

Helium is a natural, non-flammable, non-toxic gas. There is no ecological damage resulting from the use of helium. It can be used safely either inside or outside. However, helium is contained in heavy, pressurised cylinders.

NEVER DELIBERATELY INHALE HELIUM. IT IS AN ASPHYXIATE AND CAN CAUSE SUFFOCATION AND EVEN DEATH.
  1. Never allow children or any unauthorised person to handle helium cylinders or to use balloon inflation equipment
  2. If transporting cylinders by car, please make sure the cylinder is well secured and the vehicle is well ventilated.
  3. Always wear eye protection
  4. Do not travel in lifts with helium cylinders
  5. Ensure cylinders are stored away from direct heat.
  6. Ensure cylinders are stored in well ventilated areas.
  7. Never open the cylinder valve without fitting an inflator nozzle and then open the valve slowly
  8. Remember to close the cylinder to ‘off’ after use
  9. Always use a trolley for moving large cylinders, even for a short distance. Never try to move them alone
  10. In use, fasten the cylinder in an upright position to a secure support. Cylinders can cause serious injury if they fall over or roll onto you or someone else
  11. Never use equipment which may be damaged or attempt to re-pair any item of equipment
  12. When inflating balloons, make sure you always point the balloon and inflator nozzle away from you.

Helium safety data sheet, www.boconline.co.uk.