Using flares safely

[Boracay]

A comment in another post about the dangers inherent in using flares has made me wonder if a pair of leather gloves packed with the flares (in my case in the flare bottle) might be a good idea.
I have a few pairs of leather gloves lying round, but if it would make no difference then packing them would be worse than useless.

Has anyone who has actually used flares, or who has a good reference, care to comment?

[GordMay]

Yes indeed, tough gloves could be a very good & practical safety idea.

See BoatUS Findings #45 “Give Me a Hand – Handheld Flares”
Foundation Findings #45 - Flare Tests Enlightening

[MidLandOne]

A very informative link, thanks for that Gord.

I always carry a pair of leather gloves on the boat with both hand flares and other uses in mind so at least good intentioned. But perhaps not good intentioned enuff I think - so will be buying another pair to live in the container with the flares.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Boracay

Has anyone who has actually used flares, or who has a good reference, care to comment?

I have used flares but only to, ahem, "test" them.

Hand helds are scary but I think injury is about as likely as needing to hold them in the first place. Double Whammy?

Shooting flares, no problem. Load and fire. Donning gloves, in my mind would allow you to miss the shot to "da plane".

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Boracay

dangers inherent in using flares has made me wonder if a pair of leather gloves

In case of sinking order a crew member to set off the flares.




Mark
PS Sorry we missed you in Sydney!

[RBEmerson]

The flares I've triggered (well inland, away from prying eyes) weren't a problem, if you follow the instructions. Keep the flame downwind (and overboard!!!) and hold the flare at the bottom of the flare - all should be well without losing time looking for gloves. I do not recommend wearing leather-palmed sailing gloves in this case. If a spark does blow back, chances are it'll melt the synthetic material on the back of most sailing gloves, creating a chance of a significant burn (melted synthetic stays in place and continues to burn you). With the back of a bare hand, it'll probably just bounce off, like the sparks from a party sparkler.