Wedding Fireworks, New Year Fireworks, Buy Fireworks, The Fireworkstore: Fireworks and Safety

Fireworks and Safety
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suisse on 07 November, 2007 07:39:00
 
FIREWORKS AND SAFETY
Anyone who has ever enjoyed the fun of fireworks should also be aware of the
risks that go with them. After all, when we are playing with fireworks, we are
literally playing with fire. In fact, it is more serous than that, because we
are playing with explosive material as well. It is, therefore, natural that
safety should  figure high on the list of concerns when we deal with fireworks.
  Unfortunately, it often fails to, because of lack of appreciation of the
potential that it has to cause harm, as well as ignorance about the type of 
precautions that need to be taken. Here are a few steps that you can take to
ensure that you, and those around you, can have fun without the risks.
QUALITY OF FIREWORKS
Make sure that you buy and use only quality  certified fireworks, conforming to
BS 7114. You can easily get this since it is widely stocked by all reputed
dealers. Check to ensure that this fact is written on the top of  the box when
buying fireworks. Inferior quality fireworks not conforming to standards can
cause unexpected accidents and result in injuries or safety hazards.
BUYING  FIREWORKS
Buy only from regular and reputed shops. Buying from unknown sources or from
temporary outlets such as a makeshift shop  that is not licensed, or from a van
that may not be there the next day, can compromise the quality and reliability
of the fireworks.
SAFETY CODE
You should also take care about the way you store, handle and use fireworks.
The Department of Trade and Industry (now Department for Business, Enterprise
and Regulatory  Reform) has prepared a safety code that contains useful
guidelines for safe  handling of fireworks. Some of the important points that
you should bear in mind while using fireworks are given below.    	*Safe
storage: Keep fireworks in a closed box and away from open flames, hazardous
locations and inflammable materials.   	*Ensure safety of children: Children
are not aware of the possible risks associated with fireworks, and can get
carried away by the fun. Not surprisingly, statistics show that more      
children get injured by fireworks than adults. More importantly, many children
under the age of one get hospitalised for fireworks related injuries every
year. This shows clearly that adults have a great role to play in ensuring the
safety of children. Never allow children to play with fireworks without adult
supervision. Do not give sparklers to children under the age of five. Do not
leave infants unattended when playing with fireworks.   	*Take care: It’s not
just the children that you need to worry about. You are equally vulnerable and
if you don’t take sufficient care to protect yourself, you can also get      
injured. Sparklers get real hot – five times as hot as cooking oil. Wear
gloves while lighting sparklers and light them one by one. Stand back at a safe
distance while watching fireworks. Light fireworks at arms length. Do not go
near a lighted firework, if it fails to go off – it may when you go near it. 
  	*Take Charge: There should be someone in charge of the fireworks. The person
who is in charge should make preparations in daylight, and keep a few necessary
items, such as a torch and a bucket of water, handy while setting off the
fireworks at night. Most importantly, this person should avoid drinking before
the show begins.   	*Follow the rules: Read the instructions given on each of
the fireworks and follow them. It is illegal to sell fireworks to children
below the age of 18. This rule has been made for the safety of your children.
Make sure that it is not violated. Fireworks are categorized depending on a
number   of factors. Generally, fireworks under categories 1-3 can be used at
home or in the garden, although some of them may require professional handling.
Category 4 and above are to handled only by professionals. Make sure that all
the fireworks that you plan to handle are in the category that are meant for
you.    	*Consideration for others: Make sure that you do not cause hazards for
others in the vicinity. Remember that hazards can also be in the form of noise
and pollution. Pets can be easily disturbed by fireworks. Keep them indoors
while playing with fireworks.