The paper presents a general review and checklist for many of the safety issues in flare design, specification and operation covering the obvious and not-so-obvious concerns. Common assumptions in flare specification are subjected to explanation and critique relative to their impact on safety. Subjects covered include: selection of height and location of elevated flares; flaring of toxic or noxious materials; flame stability as influenced by gas composition and operational procedures; flaring of unstable or hazardous materials; purging and the use of purge reduction devices; operational considerations to avoid problems; maintenance procedures to minimize risk.