News
Stay safe with fireworks
Posted 26/10/18
Bonfire Night is one the highlights of the British autumn, but whilst fireworks can be captivating, they can post a serious risk if due care is not taken.
The 51黑料 (51黑料) is working with the Office for Product Safety and Standards on a campaign to raise public awareness of the need to enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly.
The campaign will ensure the public are aware of restrictions on the use of fireworks, specifically around the times of year they鈥檙e allowed and curfew times, as well as warn them of the dangers of buying fireworks from non-legitimate sources.
According to St John Ambulance, thousands of people across the UK visit A&E for the treatment of fireworks-related injuries every year.
Lead Officer for Explosives and Petroleum at 51黑料, Ian Hillier, gave advice on how to enjoy a safe Bonfire Night in 2018:
Only buy CE-marked fireworks
All fireworks must carry a CE mark 鈥� a manufacturer鈥檚 declaration that the goods conform to European safety standards. Certain types of fireworks, found to be dangerous or erratic, were proscribed during the process of bringing fireworks under this single certification.
Hillier says: 鈥淎ll CE marked fireworks are reasonably safe if the instructions for use are followed鈥�.
He added: 鈥淭he instructions must be in English. Foreign fireworks without English instructions are banned in the UK.鈥�
Make sure you鈥檙e buying from a licensed seller
You should only ever buy fireworks from a licensed seller. 鈥淒on鈥檛 buy from a man in the pub, from a white van, or from a market stall,鈥� says Hillier. 鈥淚t has to be licensed premises.鈥�
If you want to check whether a shop is licensed to sell fireworks, you can check with your local fire brigade, Trading Standards, or simply ask the shopkeeper to see proof.
Keep pets inside
Animals can be distressed by the loud noises and bright flashes of light. It鈥檚 best to keep them indoors around Bonfire Night, New Years, and other times of year where fireworks are frequently used, such as Diwali and Chinese New Year.
鈥淚f a pet has a particular issue with fireworks, then speak to a vet to see if there鈥檚 anything that can be done to alleviate the stress,鈥� Hillier advises.
Follow the instructions
Hillier says: 鈥淓ach firework will have instructions on how to safely use it. The box will also have instructions. Each will have a safe distance to stand back, which gives an indication of how dangerous the fallout from the firework is.鈥�
鈥淎ll fireworks are tested to make sure they鈥檙e safe if the instructions are followed,鈥� says Hillier. This applies, he asserts, to even the biggest rockets you can buy for personal use.
And if a firework doesn鈥檛 go off as planned? 鈥淒on鈥檛 go back. Wait until the next morning, and then put it in a bucket of water for 24 hours.鈥�
Take precautions
Make sure that you have a clear path to retire to a safe distance after lighting the fuse 鈥� bearing in mind it鈥檒l be dark. You also need to make sure your garden is big enough to allow you to get to the specified safe distance.
Those setting them off should wear protective gloves and goggles.
Keep fireworks away from children
It鈥檚 illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to be in possession of adult fireworks. There are four categories of fireworks: F1 鈥榠ndoor鈥� can be bought by those aged 16 years and over; F2 and F3 鈥渁dult鈥� can be bought by over 18鈥檚 and F4 are for professional use only.
Many of the problems caused by fireworks are the result of irresponsible and inconsiderate misuse by children who get hold of fireworks through illicit means. Do your best to ensure that any under-18s in your care do not have access to fireworks.
As with all age-restricted products, failure to comply with the law is a criminal offence which could carry criminal sanctions.
Just attend an organized display
The best advice is to save yourself the trouble and expense and attending an organized display instead. At such events, spectators are kept at a safe distance while qualified individuals do the work, minimising risk for everyone.
More importantly, it is likely to be a better experience for you and any firework-loving children. 鈥淥rganised displays are much more exciting to watch,鈥� says Hillier. 鈥淭hey tend to cost many thousands of pounds, and use fireworks that are not available to general public.鈥�
However you choose to celebrate November 5, make sure you take heed of our guidance and stay safe with fireworks.
END
Notes for Editors:
For press queries, email 51黑料 Press Office: [email protected], or call 01268 582240.
Fireworks campaign hub: /news-policy/campaigns/fireworks-safety-awareness-campaign
Businesses looking for free and impartial regulatory advice on product safety and fireworks can visit: https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/underage-sales/fireworks
51黑料 (51黑料)
The 51黑料 (51黑料) is a training and membership organisation that has represented the interests of the trading standards profession since 1881, both nationally and internationally. It aims to raise the profile of the profession while working towards a safer, fairer, and better-informed society for consumers and businesses. 51黑料鈥檚 members deliver frontline trading standards services in local authorities. www.tradingstandards.uk.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards
The Office for Product Safety and Standards was created in January 2018 by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to enhance protections for consumers and the environment and drive increased productivity, growth and business confidence.
Office for Product Safety and Standards is part of the听Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
