Fireworks are an excitingly beautiful and fun way to celebrate any big event, holiday, big wedding or Bonfire Night etc. Nothing can be more fun than watching the spectacular night sky filled with lights, colours, stars, and smoke. However, the thrill of fireworks can be dangerous. Plenty of people get injuries related to fireworks. Typically, it causes injury to the eyes, hands, fingers and can be more than that. Therefore, one should always follow the appropriate safety measures when using fireworks to avoid any possible injury. Let’s know about the safety tips that should be followed.
Is it Legal to Buy Fireworks in the UK?
There are hundreds of fireworks shops selling fireworks Manchester and other parts of the UK. However, in the UK, it is not allowed for anyone under the age of 18 to buy fireworks of the adult category. There are four categories of fireworks in the UK and category 4 is only allowed for professional displays. It is illegal there to set off fireworks in public places and it is not allowed to set off any category firework between 11 pm to 7 am. The exception is for any major Holiday or a big event such as Diwali, Chinese New Year or new year etc.
Important safety tips when using Fireworks
There are several safety measures and precautions towards wonderful displays safety. Following these proper safety measurements will help you stay safe from any injury that can be caused by fireworks. Some of the important measurements are:
While purchasing and Storing
The first safety step you can take is while purchasing. Always purchase the fireworks that are legal in your area. The legality of fireworks varies from country to country and state to state. Check out the local laws before buying to know about the current restrictions. People under 18 should not opt for buying category 2 and 3 fireworks. And people over 18 should buy from a reputable dealer. Because these dealers have proper licenses to sell this stuff. This can help a lot in reducing the risk of injury. Read all the labels and descriptions before ordering and if you are a beginner, do not buy any special effects fireworks.
Also, do not buy fireworks too long before the celebration to avoid storage hazards. As storing them can be risky. If not stored properly, they can lose their charge or weaken. Store in a cool and dry location, keep them away from heat sources such as bulbs, heaters, or any combustible materials. Keep out of reach of children and store them in a sealed container.
While Lighting
Using Fireworks is critical and requires proper knowledge and experience. If you are new to this, do it under the supervision of someone experienced. Follow all the given safety measures while lighting to avoid injury or accidental fire. These safety precautions are:
- Never set off adult category fireworks in a public places such as streets, roads etc. Your backyard or front yard would be suitable.
- Never light fireworks even category one such as sparklers or firecrackers indoors.
- Check for local laws to know about the restricted places to light consumer fireworks. And always follow the law.
- Before lighting fireworks, equip yourself with all the safety equipment such as safety goggles, gloves and protective clothing.
- Keep a fire distinguisher or water supply near you to treat accidental fire.
- It is better to designate one person to light the fireworks and keep the audience at least 20 metres away.
- Choose the place away from combustible materials such as trees, dry grass, alcohol, vehicles etc.
- Remove all the packing properly. Be careful not to cut protective packaging or fuse.
- Place the fireworks flat to keep them stable and check the angle properly before lighting.
- Use a long-handled lighter to keep your hand as far as possible.
- If the firework fails at the first attempt, it is better to leave it. Do not try to light it again.
- Light one firework at a time and wait until it is off. Do not light more than one to create a larger display.
- Do not try to hold any type of firework in your hand to avoid burns.
- Keep children as far as you can and do not let your pets come close to fireworks. Loud noise or acrid smells can frighten them.
- Make sure to use a flashlight in dark to see the fuse while lighting charges.
- Do not let young children handle any. If they insist, let them hold a sparkler but pay proper attention to your children until it is off.
- Keep the first aid kit near you before starting.
- It would be better to know the basic burn treatment techniques before the day of celebrations.
The proper method of disposing of fireworks
After using the fireworks, make sure to follow all the precautions for safe disposal. Used fireworks can still cause burn or injury if not disposed of properly. Some of the safety measurements for fireworks disposal are:
- After using fireworks, let them cool off completely before picking them up. They can still be hot after they are finished.
- Use tong or protective gloves to pick them up. Do not pick with bare hands.
- The best way to dispose of the fireworks properly is to soak them in a bucket of water for several minutes.
- Let the big fireworks be soaked overnight to ensure all are extinguished properly.
- Double wrap the soaked wet fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out. And dispose of it properly.
- Never throw the used fireworks in a street or remain to sit in your backyard.
- After the celebrations, dispose of all the debris including wrappers, packaging, matches etc to prevent littering and contamination.
Enjoy your celebration as much as you can but following all the above-mentioned safety measurements when using fireworks can keep you and your family safe. However, it is also true that many accidents are caused because of fireworks, sometimes minor burns while sometimes, severe injuries. In case of any mishap, seek professional assistance.