As the nights are drawing in and we enter ‘firework’ season with Bonfire night and Diwali nearly upon us, PPP are reminding residents and shopkeepers of some safety tips and restrictions regarding the coming ‘sparkling’ season.

 

The 15^th October marked the start of the period when fireworks can be sold by licensed retailers. Trading Standards Officers have been visiting businesses licensed to store and sell fireworks to ensure that residents aren’t being sold faulty fireworks, that they are being stored correctly and safely and are not being sold to under 18s.

 

During their inspections Officers check that fireworks are stored safely and securely and away from potential sources of ignition and damp. They also ensure that businesses have the required licence to legally sell and store fireworks and that the fireworks being sold conform to the relevant safety standards.

 

Some of the issues that have been found already are:

• Rockets that have a high explosive content and are not permitted to be stored/sold as per the licence.
• Fireworks that have not been stored correctly in their transport packaging.
• Fireworks that are not being stored in secure locked cabinets.

 

Retailers were reminded that anyone under the age of 18 cannot buy fireworks, including sparklers, or handle them in a public place. Sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil and should not be given to children under the age of five to hold and everyone handling them should wear gloves.

 

Trading Standards recommendations to businesses to avoid making underage sales:

• have an age verification policy of challenge 25 in place.
• train all staff on this policy and acceptable forms of ID.
• display point of sale and shelf line notices. and
• keep a refusals log that is checked at least monthly by a senior staff member.

 

Residents are advised to purchase fireworks from reputable retailers and steer clear from buying fireworks from markets, car boots or street sellers.  Fireworks bought from these sources could be defective and may not meet UK safety requirements. It is worth checking that any fireworks purchased include a CE or UKCA safety mark.

 

Every year despite annual safety warnings, firework celebrations still end in painful injuries for too many people, including very young children. Follow the Firework Code and stay safe around fireworks:

 

1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm (midnight on Bonfire Night).
2. Only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time.
3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
4. Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand a safe distance away as per the instructions and keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
5. Always supervise young children around fireworks and bonfires.
6. Never go near a firework that has been lit and failed to go off as it could still explode.
7. Don't put fireworks in pockets, never throw them and make sure that rocket fireworks are directed away from spectators
8. Do not drink alcohol if handling fireworks.
9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire and build it away from buildings, sheds, fences and hedges.
10. Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of emergency and make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

 

Councillor Iskandar Jefferies, Chairman of the Joint Public Protection Committee, said “Although the firework season can be great fun for the entire family it is important that it is celebrated safely.  Our officers do an excellent job of visiting businesses to check that they are complying with the law to keep our residents safe.

 

This time of year can also leave some of our residents feeling fearful and domestic pets and farm animals can become distressed by the bright flashes of light and the loud noises. Residents are therefore urged to be considerate and let their neighbours know if they are having a display, buy less noisy fireworks, have the display at a reasonable hour and stick to celebration dates where possible.”

 

If you are aware, or suspect, that fireworks are being sold illegally or that unsafe fireworks are being sold please report to Public Protection Partnership on 01635 519930 or email tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk

 

If fireworks are been used in a public place, or in a dangerous way, or have been let off later than they are allowed then please call the police via 101 for Non-Emergencies and 999 for Emergencies.