Health and safety - fireworks advice
Fireworks are a traditional part of enjoying celebrations such
as Bonfire Night or New Year but they are the cause of many
hundreds of serious accidents every year - it should be remembered
that they are dangerous explosives. The safest way to enjoy them is
to go to a professionally organised event.
The Department for
Business Innovation & Skills (
BIS)
provides downloadable guidance leaflets and materials for
organisers of firework displays for the public, retailers selling
fireworks, schools and the media, including the Firework Safety
Code.
Remember that pets are frightened of fireworks - always keep
them indoors.
Follow the Firework Code
If you buy fireworks, always make sure they comply with
BS 7114 and are clearly
marked for their intended use 'Indoor, Garden or Display'.
- Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin;
- never put fireworks in your pocket;
- read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp
never use a naked flame;
- light firework at arms length using a taper or a firework
lighter;
- stand well back and never return to a firework after it has
been lit, it could explode in your face;
- ensure that all children with fireworks are well
supervised;
- never throw fireworks;
- keep all pets and animals indoors;
- take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of
sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished;
and
- despite annual safety warnings, Bonfire Night week still ends
in disaster for far too many families. Fireworks can provide fun
and entertainment, but only if everyone follows the right safety
procedures and remembers that fireworks can be very dangerous if
misused.
Remember to be careful with bonfires too. It is much better to
manage without one. But if you insist make sure it is well away
from your house and any trees, hedges, fences or sheds.
Never use a flammable liquid like petrol or paraffin to get one
going. If lighting your bonfire is difficult, use domestic
firelighters to help. Check very carefully that there is no animal
(or even a young child) hidden inside the bonfire.
Do not light it until after all your fireworks have been let
off. Keep everyone a safe distance away and do not allow anyone to
throw anything onto it.
Loose clothing can very easily catch alight and should never be
worn near any fire. Long scarves can be risky too.
Licences for the storage and sale of fireworks and further
information can be obtained from North
Yorkshire Trading Standards.