RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
October 27, 1998
BONFIRE NIGHT BANGERS WARNING
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today: "The only bangers being sold for bonfire night should be the sausages for barbecues."
As the firework season approaches its peak, RoSPA issued a reminder that new legislation means that bangers should no longer be on sale to the general public.
But RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, David Jenkins, said: "We are worried that some shopkeepers may have old stock or have acquired fireworks from abroad which may not meet the new regulations.
"We have already heard reports of shopkeepers who have old stocks of fireworks which should no longer be sold. Trading standards officers in Cardiff have declared an amnesty in their area so that traders can hand them in. Similar amnesties might be a good idea elsewhere.
"The idea behind the new ban on bangers, mini rockets and other types of fireworks often misused by hooligans and children is to stop injuries. It is most worrying if people still find a way to get their hands on them."
Tighter regulations introduced by the Government helped reduce firework injuries by nearly 25 per cent last year. But 908 people - half of them children - still needed hospital treatment.
"Shopkeepers must bear in mind that fireworks should not be sold to anyone under 18 years-old. Parents and traders should ensure children cannot obtain fireworks," David Jenkins said.
Midland Bank has supported an update of the popular RoSPA firework safety leaflet Bonfires, Bangers and Barbecues, featuring the firework code. Copies are being distributed to children through the MidBank school banking service.
Individual copies are available to people who send a stamped addressed envelope marked "Fireworks" to the Administration Department, Safety Policy Division, RoSPA, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7ST.
*RoSPA is still pressing for a training scheme for people who run public firework displays and for an official register for such displays. The Society was disappointed that the Fireworks Bill looking at issues like these failed earlier this year and hopes that it will soon be resurrected.
