VIEWPOINT: Enjoy your fireworks but please stay safe
Shay Popat runs Sheffield's Chinese Fireworks Company Ltd, which has been in business for more than 28 years and is one of the UK's largest firework retailers, supplying everyone from the public to councils, schools, pubs... and even the Ministry of Defence!
He says: EVERY year I have to give a firework safety course briefing to the MoD before they purchase and use the fireworks we supply to them.
It's ironic when they use real weapons!
But it goes to show just how dangerous fireworks are – and just how seriously they should be taken.
Nobody knows better than me just how much fun you have when a firework lights up the sky.
But, you have to follow some rules if you are going to enjoy your fireworks on Bonfire Night.
Here is my guide to a safe fireworks display:
- Most fireworks are garden fireworks or display fireworks, each with different safety distances and fall-out areas.
Small fireworks are often garden types, needing at least five metres for spectators.
Spectators need at least 25 metres for display fireworks, which are suitable for larger gardens and open spaces. Some selection boxes contain both garden and display fireworks so check the safety distances... and keep to them.
A display firework looks very exciting from 10 metres away for the first few seconds and then becomes frightening and dangerous as spectators get showered by sparks and burning debris.
If something goes wrong (a firework explodes or tips over) somebody standing too close could be hurt or property damaged. Don't chance it.
Only buy fireworks which are suitable for your garden.
- Only buy fireworks which comply with BS7114 Part 2 1988. And only buy them from reputable retailers or mail-order suppliers. They can give advice on suitable fireworks.
- Don't buy illegal and dangerous fireworks such as anything not intended for use by the general public. These are known as Category 4 fireworks, meant only for professional use (and include aerial shells/maroons etc). And beware of street sellers/unauthorised vendors/mobile vans.
- When you get the fireworks home, read the instructions.
- Rope off the spectator area, upwind if possible.
- Push rocket tubes into the ground, angling them away from nearby property.
- Bury the base of tall fireworks in a bucket of sand and have a flat board to stand flat-bottomed fireworks on. Make sure it's stable and level.
- Put up suitable posts for wheels where they can be seen but make sure sparks can't ignite other fireworks.
- Have a first aid kit and bucket of water handy in case of accident. Never use matches or lighters to light fireworks. Use the tapers provided. You will need a torch to read instructions and help position fireworks.
- Wear safety glasses or goggles and gloves when lighting garden fireworks, and keep trousers outside wellingtons or safety boots so sparks don't fall inside them.
- Never smoke or drink alcohol while handling fireworks.
- Straighten the fuse, secure the firework in soft ground or on a flat surface or to an upright post.
- Never allow children to let off fireworks, no matter how much they want to.
- Never go back to a firework if it doesn't go off.
- Check that rockets are free to rise from their tubes before you light them and are angled away from obstacles.
- Ensure wheels spin freely before you light them but equally make sure they are secured properly and cannot fall off or fly off!
- Make sure mines, roman candles, multishot cakes or barrages and fountains cannot tip over.
- Supervise children with sparklers and make sure everyone wears gloves while holding them. Never give them to children under five.
- Remember that when you pick up the debris after the event (ideally next day, in daylight), some could still be smouldering and some may not have ignited at all. Soak them in a bucket of water before throwing them away. Do not burn them. They may still contain explosives.
- More advice is available on: www.chinesefireworks.co.uk
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Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
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