RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

October 31, 2002
“THINK BIG” TO BEAT FIREWORK DANGERS

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is urging families to “think big” as bonfire celebrations get into full swing over the next few days.

Last year, firework injuries rose by a frightening 40 per cent to 1,362 – the worst statistics since 1995. RoSPA says the best way to bring the figures down is for people to attend properly-organised, public displays.

Sarah Colles, RoSPA Home Safety Adviser, said: “The big displays are much safer and provide excellent value for money.

“But if people have to have fireworks at home, they need to plan just as carefully as the organisers of the large events. Accidents often arise because people buy fireworks and don’t even bother to read the instructions or the firework code. Nearly 600 people were hurt at family parties last year. Most of the other accidents happened in the street.

“You need to be sure that your garden is large enough to let off the type of fireworks you have bought, and that you can keep spectators – particularly children - well out of the way. More than half of last year’s accidents involved people under the age of 18 who should not be getting their hands on fireworks.”

Rushing can lead to firework and bonfire tragedies. Accelerants like petrol or meths should NEVER be used to get the bonfire going – but people are often tempted to try them if they have not left enough time to start the fire or if it is wet. Fires should not be lit next to sheds, fences and hedges.

Other key points in the RoSPA firework code are: Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time; Read the instructions, using a torch if necessary; Keep naked flames away from fireworks except when ready to set one off; Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back; Never return to a firework once it has been lit; Don’t put fireworks in pockets or throw them; Direct rockets away from spectators; Make sure the fire is out before leaving.

Great care needs to be taken with sparklers: Never give them to children under five; Always wear gloves, preferably leather ones; Never wave them about near someone else; Never hold a baby in your arms when you are holding a sparkler; When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water straight away and leave it there.

For the latest RoSPA firework factsheet, The Firework Code and statistics visit the RoSPA website www.rospa.com and click on factsheets on the home page.