RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

October 25, 1999
INJURIES SPARK FEARS OVER FIREWORK SAFETY

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents issued a new plea to parents and shopkeepers today after a spate of firework incidents which have led to serious injuries and damage.

David Jenkins, RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, said: "With two weeks still to go to bonfire night, we are seriously concerned about the reports of misuse of fireworks throughout the UK.

"Two people have lost fingers, a girl has been hit in the face by a thrown firework and rockets have been aimed at homes.

"This is very disappointing after last year’s fall in firework injuries. This steady improvement will not continue if people do not get the message that it is extremely dangerous to fool around with fireworks.

"Shopkeepers must be sure they are not selling to anyone under 18, and adults must not pass fireworks on to children. If they do, and someone is hurt, they will be responsible and have it on their conscience for the rest of their lives. Shopkeepers also face fines of up to £5,000 and jail sentences."

A total of 831 people were injured by fireworks last year - a fall of eight per cent on the previous year. Of these, 226 people were hurt as a result of hooliganism - a fall of 12 per cent.

RoSPA’s advice is to attend a properly organised public display. The Society would like to see a registration scheme for displays to reassure people they were being run safely - and a training scheme for organisers.

Major advances have been made in firework safety in recent years, thanks to measures like banning the sales of mini rockets and bangers to the public, taking some of the more powerful fireworks off general sale and increasing the age limit for buying fireworks to 18.

RoSPA has joined forces with HSBC to publish a firework safety leaflet Bonfires, Bangers and Barbecues.