RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

October 17, 2008
PLAN AHEAD FOR A SAFER FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

With fireworks now widely on sale across the country, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is reminding people to plan their Bonfire Night celebrations in advance to ensure they are memorable for all the right reasons.

While the safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a properly organised public display, those opting for celebrations at home can reduce the risk of things going wrong by thinking ahead.

RoSPA’s firework safety website - www.saferfireworks.com - has all the information people need to plan parties at home as well as small community events.

Sheila Merrill, RoSPA Home Safety Manager for England, said: “In previous years, we have sadly heard of many people suffering painful injuries because something has gone wrong at a private fireworks party. Fireworks are not toys. They are explosives and the injuries they can cause, such as to the eye, can be devastating.

“But these accidents are preventable and good preparation is a crucial element of a successful and safe display. So, if you will be having a fireworks party at home, now is the time to start planning it.”

Among the questions people need to ask is whether their garden is big enough for fireworks, including if there is enough space for guests to watch from a safe distance.

Careful thought also needs to be given to the different types of firework available. Only buy fireworks intended for use by members of the public and read the instructions carefully to make sure they are suitable for the space you have. Fireworks should only be purchased from a reputable shop (not from the back of a van, a car boot sale or a temporary market stall) and check that they conform to the standard BS 7114, which should be written on the box.

Sheila Merrill continued: “In the run-up to your fireworks celebration, make sure you visit RoSPA’s Safer Fireworks website to familiarise yourself with the Firework Code, which includes useful safety advice to follow before, during and after your display. The site also includes information about sparklers, which burn at fierce temperatures, bonfires and what to do if something goes wrong.”

The most recent figures for Great Britain show that 990 people went to hospital with a firework-related injury in the four weeks around Bonfire Night in 2005. Nearly half of the injuries (48 per cent) were sustained at family or private parties. A quarter happened in the street or another public place where, by law, fireworks should not be let off.

Half of the injuries were suffered by under-18s even though it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone who is under the age of 18. It is also against the law to carry fireworks in public if you are under 18.