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NOW IS THE TIME TO THINK ABOUT FIREWORK SAFETY, SAYS RoSPA
With fireworks going on sale widely today, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is urging people to spare a thought for safety before November 5.
RoSPA advises that the safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a properly-organised public display, but recognises that not everyone can get to one of these.
Good preparation is the key if you will be having a fireworks celebration at home. Now is the time to be thinking through questions like: Do you know what the law says about fireworks? Is your garden big enough for your guests to watch from a safe distance? Who will be responsible for setting off the fireworks?
RoSPA’s fireworks website – www.saferfireworks.com – contains all you need to know about planning a safe fireworks party. It has details about the law across the UK, including the licensing arrangements in Northern Ireland (where fireworks are traditionally used to celebrate Halloween), and tips for setting up a display.
There was a big step forward in firework safety earlier this year, with the implementation of the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010. The regulations mean that, over the coming years, fireworks will need to be independently approved by an accredited testing house and carry the CE mark – a visible declaration that they comply with essential European safety requirements.
The regulations have a long transition period, which mean that consumers may start to see some legitimate fireworks on sale with the CE mark and some without. The best advice, therefore, is for consumers to buy fireworks from reputable retailers and to ensure that, if they do not bear the CE mark, they are at least marked with “BS 7114” which means they meet current safety requirements.
Philip Le Shirley, RoSPA’s product safety adviser, said: “Clear information for consumers is an important aspect of product safety and RoSPA is very pleased that firework regulations are being brought in line with other safety legislation. Consumers will already be familiar with looking out for the CE mark on other products. We urge that people avoid purchasing fireworks from the back of a van, door-to-door sellers or unregistered premises, from where it is illegal to sell fireworks and where the products on sale may not even meet existing safety requirements.”
Jennifer Henderson, RoSPA’s home safety officer for Scotland, said: “Every year, hundreds of people are injured by fireworks on and around Bonfire Night. Far more people are injured at private fireworks parties than at large public displays and, for this reason, RoSPA recommends that people go to an organised event where possible. If you’ll be having a fireworks party at home, remember that good planning is crucial. Don’t leave safety considerations until the last minute.”
The minimum age for buying category 2 fireworks (the type suitable for garden displays) is 18 across Scotland, Wales, England and, for the first time this year, Northern Ireland.
