It’s that time of year when everybody gets wrapped up warm and heads out to their local bonfire to watch a firework display however, every year adults and children are injured or harmed by fireworks even though the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Trading Standards Officers work extremely hard to enforce legislation and prevent accidents. The Firework Regulations 2004 govern the safe use of fireworks. St John’s Ambulance are actively trying to promote safe use of firework to prevent injuries from occurring.
Experts say injuries are much more likely to happen at private parties, where trained professionals aren’t on hand to help. So health charity St John Ambulance is urging parents to learn some basic first aid skills before they head out for a night of firework celebrations.
A sparkler may seem like harmless fun but burns at 2000c which is 20 times boiling point. As such, burns and scalds are the most common type of injury. We all know how painful a burn can be but they can also cause nerve damage, permanent scarring, tendon/ligament or muscle damage and in the most severe cases, they can even be fatal. Victims from burn injuries may also suffer with severe psychological reactions which if not treated can be lifetime injuries.
In order to ensure the safe use of fireworks and prevent injury, it is important that you follow the firework code:-
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 as per the Firework Regulations 2004
- Keep them in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light at arm’s length, using a taper
- Stand well back
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it has not gone off, it could still explode
- Never put them in your pocket or throw them
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- Never give sparklers to a child under 5
- Keep pets indoors
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
Should you or anyone you know have suffered an injury, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0114 218 4000 or email info@tayloremmet.co.uk We hope your weekend goes off with a bang….and you have a safe and happy bonfire night.
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