RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

October 12, 2006
ADULTS MUST DO MORE TO PREVENT FIREWORK INJURIES

With fireworks going on sale throughout the country this weekend, RoSPA is urging adults to do everything possible to reduce the toll of injuries among children and teenagers.

Last year 990 people needed hospital treatment for firework injuries during the four-week period around bonfire night – and more than half of them were under the age of 18. By law no one under 18 can buy fireworks or even carry them in a public place.

Roger Vincent of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: “Obviously, irresponsible adults are still allowing fireworks to fall into the hands of children and teenagers, who are not supposed to have them.

“It may be parents, friends or relatives who are passing them on, or foolish traders who are risking a prison sentence by selling them to people who are under age.

“Many people do not seem to understand that fireworks are not toys, but explosives which need to be treated with respect.

“Nearly a quarter of last year’s accidents happened in the street or other public places where fireworks should not be let off, which shows that far too many people are still fooling around with them.

”More accidents occur at family and private parties than anywhere else, with 475 people being injured last year.

“We accept that not everyone can get to a public display so if they are having a party at home they should start planning it now to ensure it is safe and follow the firework code to the letter. Rushing arrangements can often lead to getting things wrong.”

Fireworks go on sale from Sunday (October 15). A curfew makes it illegal to set off fireworks after 11pm (midnight on November 5). This can play an important part in stopping some of the accidents with fireworks when people leave public houses, as well as reducing noise nuisance.

People should not be tempted to buy from street traders or at car boot sales which will not be properly registered and could be selling dangerous fireworks. It is vitally important to adhere to the instructions on the box and not to use fireworks if safe distances cannot be kept between yourself and the fireworks.

For more information and the firework code visit:
www.rospa.com/homesafety/advice/fireworks/
or see www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks .