RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

November 1, 2007
MAKE SURE FIREWORK FUN IS NOT A PAIN

As bonfire celebrations reach their peak over the next few days, RoSPA is urging people to plan carefully to ensure their parties end happily rather than with a trip to hospital.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents wants organisers to use its new website www.saferfireworks.com which has been designed to help Guy Fawkes fun to be enjoyed safely.

Thousands of people have already visited the site seeking information about the firework code, tips on setting up a display and dealing with specific types of fireworks from rockets to Roman Candles.

Dawn Dcaccia, RoSPA Head of Home Safety, said: “One of the biggest worries with firework parties is that people don’t prepare properly and rush things. That can be when mistakes happen and someone gets hurt.

“A classic error is leaving lighting the bonfire until too late or trying to overcome the problem of wet wood. The temptation is to turn to accelerants, such as petrol or meths, to speed things up and disaster can result. It’s safer to use fire lighters and keep some dry wood to help the fire start.

“Sometimes people buy fireworks which are unsuitable for their garden. They may not have enough space to let them off safely. Always read the packaging before purchasing.

“Sparklers lead to many severe injuries when they are misused. They can burn with the intensity of a blow torch and should never be given to small children. It’s best to wear gloves and not to wave sparklers close to other people.

“Stress to children that fireworks are explosives and not toys. They need to be treated with respect and not fooled around with. Avoid buying from street traders or people at car boot sales who could be selling dangerous fireworks.

“We know that not everyone can attend one of the big public displays, but by following the advice on our website, fireworks should be able to be enjoyed safely at home.”

Figures for 2005 showed that about 1070 people in the UK went to hospital after a firework injury with about 180 being admitted for treatment. Half of firework injuries involve people under the age of 18 who should not be getting their hands on fireworks, as it is illegal for under-18s to even carry fireworks in a public place. About a quarter of accidents happen in places such as the street where fireworks should not be let off.