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Take note, how to say safe
& legal this bonfire night
STARTING on a fun note, did you know that it
was in fact, until 1959 it was illegal not to celebrate Bonfire in the UK? Sadly,
today, as back then, fireworks can be dangerous and are potentially lethal, if
used in the
wrong hands. So in the run up to Bonfire Night, North West Ambulance Service NHS
Trust (NWAS) and Merseyside Police are reminding people to stay safe and keep
themselves and others free from harm at private and community bonfire displays.
This year a multi agency operation is now underway across Merseyside to keep us
safe.
Last year NWAS saw a 5% increase in 999 calls, as over 1,500 additional
emergency calls were made leading up to and around Bonfire Night compared to the
same time period the previous year in 2013.
The range of incidents that the Ambulance Service attended last year included:-
► In Cumbria a firework bounced off a garden wall and
hit a group of children resulting in burn injuries.
► In Merseyside a man was treated for significant facial burns after a firework
he was holding exploded in his face.
► In Greater Manchester a person had too much to drink and fell into a bonfire
and seriously burnt both their hands.
► In Lancashire a man lost a finger when it was blown off by holding a firework.
► In Cheshire a patient suffered facial injuries and burns when a firework was
thrown.
Also this year NWAS is encouraging people to prevent common injuries such as
burns to hands or the face from sparklers, fireworks and bonfires.
David Blowers, Community Specialist Paramedic at NWAS, said:- "Each
Bonfire Night me and my colleagues treat a number of patients, children and
adults, who have called the ambulance service suffering from minor burns through
to extremely serious and life changing injuries. We should all be mindful of how
dangerous fireworks, bonfires and even sparklers can be. Sparklers can burn up
to 1000 degrees centigrade and fireworks can reach speeds of 150mph, which will
cause serious damage to anything it hits. Throughout the celebrations always
remember to keep a watchful eye on your children to keep them out of harm's way
and if you are handling or lighting fireworks yourself, always remember to
follow the instructions and adhere to the Firework Code. We recommend that
people attend a professionally organised public display. However, if you are
planning to host your own event please make safety a priority to ensure everyone
has a good time without getting hurt."
This was added to by Watch Manager Ian Mullen, Arson Reduction Co-ordinator at
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said:- "We want people to enjoy a happy
and safe Bonfire Night. To prevent a fire, we urge people to keep clothing away
from naked flames. Do not have flamable clothing on when lighting or using any
fireworks, even bonfires and even sparklers. clothing made from materials such
as cotton, cotton/polyester blends, rayon and acrylic are highly flammable.
These cloths are generally more combustible than 100% polyester, nylon, wool and
silk. But please remember all clothing is flammable!"
Both the Police and Fire Service have also added that people should also help by
removing rubish, before Bonfire Night from near the property. Watch Manager Ian
Mullen said:- "We want people to enjoy a happy and safe Bonfire Night. To
prevent a fire, we urge people to keep clothing away from naked flames. We work
with partners to prevent deliberate fires over the bonfire period. We would urge
residents to help by not leaving combustible materials outside their properties
and to ensure they bring their wheelie bins in immediately after the rubbish has
been collected. If a fire appliance is called out to a deliberate fire it may
delay a response to an emergency."
In the event of an accident with fireworks or fires you should:-
► Extinguish any flames if the casualty is alight.
► If alight, drop to the floor and roll to extinguish flames, keeping mouth and
eyes closed.
► If you see someone else on fire, tell them to 'Stop, drop and roll'.
► Use cold water (ideally cold running water) to cool the burnt area and reduce
the pain.
► Do not remove any burnt clothing which has stuck to the skin.
► Do not use any creams or oils on burn injuries.
► Seek urgent medical help by calling:- 999 for life threatening or serious
injuries, for minor injuries contact NHS:- 111.
Chief Superintendent Julie Cooke, who is heading this year's operation said:-
"This is a fun time of year for everyone across Merseyside and we want people
to enjoy the organised events and activities safely. Our message during this
period is simple; anti social behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone caught
committing this type of offence will be dealt with firmly and robustly. No one
should have to suffer being the victim of anti social behaviour and I would like
to reassure everyone that there will be extra high visibility patrols during
this time. Thankfully it's only a small minority who take it too far and we hope
that law abiding members of the community enjoy themselves."
If you attend a bonfire party, do not drink and drive, also never drink alcohol if
setting off fireworks. Merseyside Police will be testing drivers should they
think you have been drinking.
To report an unlit bonfire call Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on:- 0800 731
5958. Outside office hours please leave a message with your details and a
contact number.
For more information on firework safety, visit The Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Safer Fireworks
website or visit the NHS Choices
website.
Firework Facts...
► It is illegal for under 18's to buy fireworks and shops should refuse to sell
to people under 18 and ask for proof of age if there is any doubt.
► It is against the law to carry or use adult fireworks if you are under 18. An
adult firework is any firework except:- a cap, cracker snap, novelty match,
party popper, serpent, sparkler or throw down.
► Under the Explosives Act of 1875, It is illegal to let off or throw a firework
in a public place.
► It is illegal to sell fireworks from unregistered/licensed premises.
► Don't let off fireworks after 11pm, or after midnight on 5 November 2015.
► Do not set fireworks off near airport's! Check to see if you are in a
restricted area by call the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
or your local airport. On Merseyside we have Liverpool Airport as our main
airport, plus RAF Woodvale. The CAA will take action against anyone who
endangers aircraft by setting off fireworks, Toy Balloons and Sky Lanterns
within UK Airspace, near airports.
► BS 7114.;Fireworks which are not bought from reputable retailers may well be
extremely dangerous. If anyone believes they have information about the illegal
sale, use or possession of fireworks, please contact Merseyside Fire and Rescue
Service on:- 0800 731 5958, Merseyside Police on:- 101 or Crimestoppers
anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.
The British Standard for Fireworks (BS 7114) defines 4 types of fireworks:-
► Category 1 - Fireworks Indoor for use in
extremely restricted areas; eg:- indoors.
► Category 2
- Fireworks Garden for use in limited areas; eg:- gardens More
Information on Garden Fireworks. ►
Category 3 - Fireworks Display for use
in open areas; eg:- School Playing Fields More Information on Display
Fireworks. ► Category 4 -
Fireworks for use by professionals only. |
