Firework Safety

BONFIRE Night revellers in Carmarthenshire are being urged to follow the Fireworks Code.

Council trading standards officers are urging people to attend official Guy Fawkes Night events or to follow the safety advice in the Fireworks Code if they are doing their own display.

The Fireworks Code says that when buying fireworks, you should only buy from a legitimate retailer and should make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use ‘Indoor, Garden or Display’.

The Code says to Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin, use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately, never put fireworks in your pocket, read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp but never a naked flame; light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter, stand well back and never return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face.

You should also ensure that all children with fireworks are well supervised, never throw fireworks, keep all pets and animals indoors and take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished.

Anyone who sees anything they suspect breaks laws on firework sales such as under-age sales, illegal sellers or inappropriate storage, should call Citizen’s Advice Consumer Services on 08454 04 05 06 or Carmarthenshire Trading Standards Service on 01267 234567.

Carmarthenshire County Council head of public protection Philip Davies said: “Guy Fawkes Night is fraught with danger and we want people to follow simple guidelines to make sure they enjoy the event safely.

“I cannot stress enough the dangers of illegal fireworks that do not conform to British standards. They can be totally unsafe, totally unpredictable and lead to horrific injuries. Anyone planning home displays should only use fireworks that have passed British standards.”

Public protection executive board member Councillor Jim Jones said: “People should follow the common sense rules in the Fireworks Code to ensure Bonfire Night remains a safe one.”