Firework safety - 31/10/2018

Celebrating Bonfire Night Safely

As it's easy to get distracted during your forthcoming firework celebrations RANA Risk Management offers the following tips to make you aware of the risk of injury so you can enjoy your celebrations to the full. Only adults should deal with firework displays and the lighting of fireworks. They should also take care of the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used.

When buying fireworks, make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use "Indoor, Garden or Display".

Follow the firework safety code

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable directing any rocket fireworks well away from spectators making sure everyone stands well back.
• Don't drink alcohol if you're setting off fireworks .
• Store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take them out one at a time .
• Keep a bucket of water nearby.
• Follow the instructions on each firework - read them by torchlight, never by a naked flame, light fireworks at arm's length, using the taper provided.
• Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face.
• NEVER put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to a child under five.
• Take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues - all clothes, even those labelled 'low flammability', can catch fire.
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
• Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.