Safety with Fireworks |
The majority of accidents occur at family or private parties and are caused through the misuse of fireworks, failing to observe the firework code (a copy of which is enclosed with every box of fireworks) and the consumption of alcohol. |
Since the festivities inevitably result in a considerable increase in the number of fire calls the public are asked to co-operate by adhering to the following points:
- Ensure that bonfires are not left unattended and are properly extinguished after use.
- Bonfires should be sited well away from buildings, hedges and fences.
- Never light a bonfire by using petrol or paraffin.
- Check the bonfire before lighting it to make absolutely sure there is no child or animal inside.
- If guests at your party are drinking alcohol, keep them well away from fireworks and the bonfire.
- Follow the Firework Code.
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- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- Never give sparklers to child under 5
- Buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light them at arm's length using a taper
- Stand well back
- Never go back to a lit firework
- Never put fireworks in your pocket
- Never throw fireworks
- Keep pets indoors
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Additional Points for Organised Displays
- Have you made sure you have plenty of space to let off fireworks? Will spectators be kept a safe distance from the fireworks and have you used a rope or a strong barrier to mark the area? Make sure that all aerial fireworks, such as rockets, are angled away from spectators. They should never be fired over the heads of spectators.
- Have you made sure you have plenty of stewards who can be easily identified and that entrances and exits are clearly marked and free from obstruction?
- Have you made it clear in advance that people are not to bring their own fireworks, and posted notices to this effect at all entrances?
- Have you provided fire extinguishers, buckets of water, sand and metal litter bins?
- Have you sited any bonfire well away from the fireworks and fenced it off for the safety of spectators? It is advisable to ensure the fireworks are let off before the bonfire is lit so that there is no possibility of sparks from the bonfire setting off the fireworks.
- The bonfire should be constructed on the day of display. This is to ensure that only acceptable material is used on the fire such as wood, paper, brushwood etc. No tyres, mattresses, aerosols or canisters should be allowed on the fire.
- Have you made sure that people who are lighting fireworks will not consume alcohol before setting fireworks and will read in advance and follow carefully both the manufacturers' instructions and the latest Department of Trade and Industry leaflet, obtainable from Trading Standards departments in your area or Fire Safety Headquarters Helpline.
- Have you made sure that fireworks will be kept in a closed metal or wooden box while other fireworks are burning?
Information for Retailers
- It is now illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 years.
- Trading Standards Officers will be visiting retailers registered to sell fireworks to ensure they know the law.
- An under-age sale investigation will be conducted. Anyone caught selling fireworks to those under 18 will face prosecution (Maximum Fine £5,000).
Graeme Smith, Chief Fire Officer, said:
"I want the people of Warwickshire to have an enjoyable Bonfire Night and the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to an organised firework party."
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has prepared a Guidance Note which is aimed at organisers of public displays or of displays in gardens where a relatively large number of persons may congregate (i.e. the garden of a public house). For your free copy of the Guidance Note, please contact Fire Safety at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue.
However, much of the advice is also appropriate to small scale displays and covers the important issues of:
- The siting, construction and safe lighting of bonfires
- Firefighting equipment for the event
- Access, means of escape and many other safety tips
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Other information
Find out more about firework safety
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For further Fire Safety information and advice contact:
The Fire Safety Helpline on 01926 466282
For furher information visit Directgov Website www.firekills.gov.uk
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