Let’s all have fun and Stay Safe!
Fireworks and firework displays are loads of fun, but fireworks can be really dangerous if you don’t use them properly. Follow the Firework Code for a safer Bonfire Night and fireworks party.
Here’s our guide on how to stay safe around fireworks and sparklers.
Follow these top 10 tips for a safer FIREWORKS party:
1. Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark – this means the firework meets British and European safety standards, which all fireworks should meet (a reputable shop will know this). From the 4th July 2017 it is illegal for any retailer, wholesaler and distributor of fireworks to sell any firework marked with the old BS7114 mark as they no longer conform to the Pyrotechnics Articles Safety Regulations.
2. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
3. Only one person should be in charge of setting off fireworks. That way, fewer people are put at risk.
4. Keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time.
5. Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
6. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
7. Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
8. Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
9. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
10. Do not throw discarded fireworks onto bonfires. They may still have some gunpowder left in them.
Using Sparklers:
We all know that children love nothing more than to wave a sparkler in the air on Fireworks night; however, it is important to understand that even sparklers can be potentially hazardous so please follow the ten top tips below when using sparklers.
Follow these top 10 tips for a safer SPARKLER party:
1. It is recommended that sparklers are not given to under-5s.
2. Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves.
3. Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit and light them one at a time.
4. Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people.
5. Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler.
6. Don’t take sparklers to public displays, it will be too crowded to use them safely.
7. Plunge finished sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water as soon as they have burnt out as they can stay hot for a long time.
8. Show children how to hold sparklers in advance – away from their body and at arm’s length.
9. Teach children not to wave sparklers near anyone else or run while holding.
10. Avoid dressing children in loose or flowing clothes – they may catch light.
Our five key inspection judgements were marked as follows: