Firework Safety

Firework Safety
Fireworks were invented nearly 2000 years ago in China. These days they are used all around the world as part of formal and family celebrations. Over half of firework injuries happen to children aged 15 or younger and most of these happen at private events. A simple sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2000°C. That's over 15 times the boiling point of water and yet we give them to small children. A rocket can reach 150 miles an hour and are the most common cause of firework injuries.
Always follow the firework code.

Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed box.
Follow the instructions on each firework
Light them at arms length, using a taper.
Stand well back.
Never go near a firework that has been lit. It could still explode.
Never put fireworks in your pocket.
Always supervise children around fireworks.
Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
Never give sparklers to children under five.
Keep pets indoors.

Common Sense is important.

If you are going to let off fireworks in your garden, follow the instructions carefully.
There should be one person in charge of the fireworks.
Lighting too many fireworks at once does not give you time to get out of the way.
Make sure all spectators are well away from the area where the fireworks a being lit
Always keep a bucket of water or sand for used sparklers and fireworks.

Alcohol and Fireworks.

Firework parties with family and friends have become increasingly popular. Parties usually involve alcohol, which increases the risk of injury. It can also affect the ability of adults to supervise children during a display.
Nominate a responsible person who is not drinking, to take charge of the fireworks.
Consider limiting the availability of alcohol until the fireworks have been set off.
If your guests are drinking keep them away from fireworks and bonfires.
Remember
Fireworks and alcohol don't mix

Successful Firework Displays.

If you are organising a firework display you will need to start planning early and furnish yourself with the correct information.
Information on displays can be found on the official website of the Pyrotechnists Association and the Association of Explosive Industries www.fireworksafety.co.uk
If you are planning a larger display the Health and Safety Executive publish a book called Working Together on Firework Displays, a guide to safety for firework displays organisers and operators. Firework safety information is available on the department of trade and industry website www.dti.gov.uk

Fascinating Facts you didn't know about fireworks

Over 130 million fireworks were sold in Britain in 1995.
Last Year over 900 people required hospital treatment for accidents involving fireworks.
The word for firework in Japanese, 'hanabi' means 'fire-flower'.
The display in London at the 1995 VJ Day commemoration was Britain's biggest within living memory. It used over 18 tonnes of fireworks and spanned two miles.
At family back-garden displays, sparklers cause more injuries than air-bombs, bangers, rockets and Roman candles combined.
The first fireworks recorded in America were set off by Englishman, Captain John Smith, famous in the story of Pocahontas.
More than 60 under 5s went to hospital in 1997 following a firework accident.
Coloured fireworks didn't exist until the 1800's.
Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blow-torch.
The world's largest single firework was set off at a festival in Japan in 1088. The shell weighed over half a tonne and the burst was over a kilometre across.
Hands and eyes are most at risk in firework accidents.
A firecracker display in Malaysia in 1988 used over 3 million crackers, measured almost 6 kilometres and burned for over 9 hours - the longest display on record.
Most firework accidents are caused at family back-garden displays closely followed by incidents in the street.
Throwing a firework in a street or public place is a criminal offence, with a maximum fine of £5000.