Warning on using hydrogen balloons in opening ceremonies

In recent years, many schools have used hydrogen balloons at the opening ceremony of the new school year. This is becoming a worrying issue in fire and explosion safety.

Balloons with many eye-catching shapes and colors are very popular toys sold and are indispensable at the beginning of the new school year. However, if these balloons are filled with hydrogen gas, they can explode, causing serious consequences at any time.

Balloons are used a lot during the opening days of school. (Source: Internet)

Hydrogen gas has very small molecular size, is highly flammable, just a spark or contact with a high enough heat source can cause an explosive reaction.

When a balloon containing hydrogen comes into contact with a hot light bulb, hot air, or sunlight, the temperature can become high enough to trigger a reaction, causing it to explode.

If you inhale a lot of hydrogen gas, you may experience drowsiness, vomiting, convulsions, coma, or even death. Therefore, hydrogen balloons can be called “time bombs.”

To ensure safe use of balloons, eliminate and minimize the risk of fire, explosion, and accident risks, the Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Rescue Police Department - Ha Tinh Provincial Police recommends to teachers, parents, students as well as users. Do not use balloons filled with hydrogen gas.

Instead, you can use balloons filled with helium, as helium is non-flammable, non-toxic, and much safer than hydrogen. Do not inhale the gas from the balloons, helium is not toxic but can cause suffocation if inhaled in excess.

Avoid exposing balloons to sunlight for too long, avoid contact with high heat sources such as light bulbs, stoves, and keep away from devices that generate sparks. Do not leave balloons near candles, fireworks, or any heat source that could cause an explosion…

Strengthen propaganda andeducation about the dangers of hydrogen gas and safety measures when using balloons.

Supervise children when playing with balloons to ensure safety, avoid the risk of balloon bursting or broken pieces that can cause injury. Secure balloons to string or heavy objects to prevent balloons from flying away and causing danger in uncontrolled situations.

It is necessary to fully equip fire prevention and fighting equipment; instruct staff, teachers and students on how to promptly handle fire, explosion, accident and incident situations that may occur.

In the coming time, schools and educational institutions will organize the Opening Ceremony of the new school year, the 2024-2025 school year; schools and educational institutions are requested to comply with necessary safety measures so that they can enjoy the joy of the Opening Ceremony without worrying about potential risks of fire, explosion, and insecurity./.

Reporter Manh Tuan/HTTV

Source: https://hatinhtv.vn/tin-bai/van-hoa---xa-hoi/canh-bao-su-dung-bong-bay-bom-khi-hydro-trong-le-khai-giang