Get wise or get hurt is the message going out to everyone involved with bonfire celebrations this year.
Denbighshire’s Trading Standards Officers are targeting the sale and storage of fireworks as part of a firework safety campaign. Shops, or anywhere else storing fireworks, are being inspected to ensure that they are being kept and sold safely, and to prevent the sale of prohibited fireworks such as Bangers and Ariel Shells.
Shopkeepers are reminded that it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18, including sparklers, and that acceptable proof of age should be asked for and provided before agreeing to sell to young people. Test purchase exercises will be carried out using the services of underage volunteers to see if retailers are complying with the minimum age requirements for the sale of fireworks.
Organisers of public displays have a responsibility to members of the public attending their events and should ensure that they are not exposed to any risk to their health or safety.
Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Communities, said: “Everyone who is involved with fireworks, including retailers and anyone who will be setting them off, must remember that they can be dangerous and are the cause of many injuries. Let’s have an enjoyable and safe bonfire night. Follow the firework safety code, keep pets indoors and remember it is an offence to set off fireworks in the street.”
The Firework Code
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
- Keep all 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
- Never put a firework in your pocket or throw them
- Always supervise children
- Light sparklers one at a time
- Hold sparklers at arm’s length and wear gloves
- Put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of sand
- or water
- Never give sparklers to children under five
- Keep pets indoors
- Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm
Bonfire Safety
- The bonfire should be supervised by an adult
- Do not build an oversize bonfire
- Build the bonfire well away from houses, fences, sheds
- Always check for animals hidden in bonfire before lighting
- DO NOT include batteries, glass bottles, tins of paint, tyres, oil drums, gas bottles, foam filled mattresses
