Stay safe this Bonfire Night!

Bonfire night is fast approaching and here at Vulcan Fire Training, we would like to make you aware of the importance of being safe with firework displays, sparklers and performing Fire Risk Assessments before the event.

Although Bonfire Night can be great fun for families, firework celebrations are still ending in painful injuries for many people, including young children. Injury figures show that far fewer people are injured at large public displays rather than smaller family or private parties.

But by following the Firework code and these sparkler and bonfire safety tips, you can make sure that Bonfire Night remains a safe and fun occasion for all:

The Firework Code

The setup, lighting and disposal of fireworks should only be done by adults, with children and young people supervised and watching from a safe distance. Follow the firework code to ensure that everyone remains safe at your display.

• • Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm.
  • Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time.
  • Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
  • Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
  • Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
  • Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
  • Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
  • Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
  • Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
  • Make sure that the fire is out and the surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Sparkler Safety

Whilst sparklers are often viewed as harmless, they burn at high temperatures, equivalent to a welding torch. For this reason, it’s recommended that sparklers aren’t given to under 5’s and that all those handling sparklers wear gloves.

Some further tips for sparkler safety include:

• • Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit and light them one at a time.
  • Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people.
  • When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.

Bonfire Safety

When planning a site for a bonfire, it’s vital that you pick somewhere that is away from wooden fences, sheds and where children will be playing. One person should be responsible for the fire and all children should be supervised.

When lighting and maintaining the fire it’s important that you never pour petrol, paraffin or meths on to a fire - it’s safer to use firelighters as these prevent flare-ups.

A few additional bonfire safety tips include:

• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of an accident.
• Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair.
• After the party, pour water on the fire, rather than leaving it to burn out.

We hope you stay safe and enjoy your Bonfire Night celebrations. For more information regarding Bonfire Night Safety, check out this guide.

Here at Vulcan, we offer a range of fire training courses to help companies and individuals understand the importance of fire safety and fire safety plans. Find out more about our courses here.

Source:
https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/fireworks-safety/