Fireworks
Every year hundreds of people are injured by fireworks - most of there accidents could have been avoided.
If you do choose to have your own fireworks display this bonfire night here's some facts and figures to bear in mind:
- Remember - fireworks are explosive devices. As well as containing explosive chemical compounds they also contain chemicals made from metals such as Strontium, Lithium, and Potassium. Although most of the chemicals in fireworks are non-toxic some are and may cause skin irritations and some could be dangerous if ingested or inhaled.
- The average sparkler burns up to 2,000°C - that's 20 times hotter than a freshly boiled kettle. Which is why you should never give one to children under 5 and you should closely supervise children over 5.
- A typical rocket can reach up to 150 miles an hour and as high as 200 metres.
- Between 2000 and 2005, 6,637 people needed hospital treatment due to a firework injury.
- In 2005 alone there were 990 injuries; 475 of those happened at a family or private party.
- Around half of all injuries happen to children under the age of 16 - that's a lot of kids who may have ugly burn scars - for life.
- Lighting too many fireworks at once will leave you little time to get out of the way before they go off. When professionals set off large scale displays they use special set ups and electronic timer switches to set off massive amounts of fire works at once from a safe distance. You are never going to recreate this effect in your back garden - set them of a few at a time and always follow the instructions on each firework.
- It is illegal for any retailer to sell fireworks to children under the age of 18.
Warning - this is not makeup!
We are distributing posters across the Borough to warn young people about the risks around playing with fireworks. The picture in the poster is of a genuine victim of a firework injury. The message is simple - play with fireworks and you too could be scarred for life.
Download the poster: Fireworks - be safe not sorry (.pdf, 407 KB)
Top tips: fireworks
- If you must have your own fireworks party, leave the lighting of the fireworks to a responsible adult
- Only ever buy fireworks from a reputable retailer
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- Keep fireworks in a closed metal box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light them at arm’s length using a taper
- Stand well back
- Never go back to a lit firework
- Never put fireworks in your pocket
- Keep a bucket of water nearby if you are setting off fireworks in your garden
- Never throw fireworks
- Keep pets indoors
Remember - alcohol and fireworks are not a good mix - it often leads to injury.
- Never build your bonfire too close to overhead cables or nearby property. Bonfires should be 18 metres from buildings, trees, fences, overhead cables and car parking areas.
- Bonfires should be no more than 3 metres in height. And there should be a suitable barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators 5 metres away.
- Do not use petrol, paraffin, diesel, white spirit or methylated spirit to light the bonfire – use firelighters instead.
- Do not burn aerosols, batteries, bottles, foam-filled furniture, tins of paint or tyres - aerosols and batteries explode when burned and plastics, foam, tyres, and paint give off toxic smoke.
- Keep some buckets of water nearby in case of emergency and make sure you damp down the fire after the event.
- Always fully extinguish your bonfire once your party has finished.
- Bonfires built on council land without permission will be removed.
Remember - to check your bonfire before it is lit; children have been known to build dens inside them.
Haigh hall
Sunday 2nd November 2008
Entry is at 4pm, with the bonfire being lit at 6pm and the fireworks display starting at 7pm
Adult tickets: £5
Kids tickets: £3
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children): £14
For more information visit the Haigh Hall website.
Astley scout and guides HQ, Ellesmere Street, Astley
Saturday 1st November 2008
Starts at 6.30pm, finishes at 9pm
Friends of Astley scouts and guides
Orrell Cricket Club
Saturday 1st November 2008
Starts at 19:30
Orrell Cricket Club, Winstanley Road, Billinge, Wigan WN5 7XE
Thinking of having your own event?
Contact Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service for advice on 01942 650126/650127or visit the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (External link) website.
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