RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
November 1, 2004
WARNING ON HOME FIREWORK PARTIES AFTER INJURIES RISE
People planning firework celebrations at home this week have been warned to take extra care following a 40 per cent increase in injuries at family and private bonfire parties last year.
Latest statistics show 515 people needed treatment at hospital for firework injuries after being hurt at home – a jump from 363 in 2002.
The total number of injuries was also up from 1,017 to 1136. More than 100 of the extra injuries involved adults.
But there are still major concerns about the high number of children being hurt. More than half of the total injuries were to people under 18, who should not be getting their hands on fireworks. A quarter of the accidents happened in the street, where fireworks should not be let off.
David Jenkins, RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, said: “These figures are far too high and show why it is much safer to go to a properly organised public display. Many people let off fireworks at home without recognising that they are dealing with explosives and planning accordingly. Supervision of children is paramount if you are having a firework party.
“A lot of people buy fireworks at the last minute and then rush home and start lighting them without reading the instructions and without considering the safety implications.
“Far too often accidents happen because people fool around with fireworks. We hope the new curfew making it illegal to set off fireworks after 11pm (midnight on November 5) will stop some of the accidents with fireworks when people leave public houses.
“And we hope the police will enforce the new law making it illegal for under-18s to possess fireworks in a public place.
“RoSPA welcomes the news that category four fireworks – the large display fireworks - can only be used by firework professionals.”
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; Never use accelerants, such as petrol or meths, to get a bonfire going; Make sure the fire is out before leaving.
