RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

October 21, 2005
FEARS OVER RISE IN NORTHERN IRELAND FIREWORK INJURIES

RoSPA is urging youngsters to have more respect for fireworks following a worrying increase in injuries in Northern Ireland

After the licensing system was introduced to reduce the availability of fireworks, injuries fell to 38 over the five-week Halloween sales period in 2002. But in 2003 45 people were hurt and this rose to 55 last year, with 11-15 year-old boys being most at risk. Facial and hand injuries are most common.

Janice Bisp, RoSPA Home Safety Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “Young people need to have more respect for fireworks. They have to understand that they are explosives and not toys, otherwise more people will be hurt.

“Apart from indoor fireworks and sparklers, it is now illegal to possess, purchase, sell handle or use other fireworks in Northern Ireland except under licence. The safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a properly organised public display, but if you must have a party at home be sure to follow the firework code to the letter.

“Great care needs to be taken even with sparklers. They should not be given to anyone under the age of five because the heat can be equivalent to that from a welding torch.”

For more information see www.saferfireworks.com

The Fireworks Safety Code

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light them at arm’s length, using a taper - stand well back
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Keep pets indoors