Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 21/10/2008 17:23

Cornwall County Fire Brigade, in partnership with Trading Standards and the Devon and Cornwall Police, is launching a safety campaign for this year’s firework season, targeting retailers who may be operating illegally.

The initiative will focus on the fact that it is illegal for someone under the age of 18 to purchase fireworks or be in possession of them in a public place. In addition, retailers must be registered to store fireworks with the Fire Brigade, who will then inspect retail outlets to ensure the storage is suitable and safe. Any retailer operating without registering with the Brigade will face prosecution.

Steve Halstead, Station Manager at Brigade HQ explains, “As part of the initiative, Trading Standards will be attempting a series of test purchases by persons under age. Businesses will also be audited by Cornwall County Fire Brigade to ensure the storage arrangements are safe and comply with the law. We are making no secret of the campaign because the chief aim is to ensure compliance and keep people safe. Our message is clear: retailers who break the law in respect of selling fireworks face the prospect of prosecution.”

A recent prosecution saw Mr Benjamin Ashley of Redruth found guilty of charges relating to the unsafe storage of fireworks and a failure to hold a registration. This related to a seizure of a large quantity of fireworks from a house in Redruth.

Steve Halstead continues, “It is of great concern to Cornwall County Fire Brigade that private individuals outside of registered retail outlets see the sale of fireworks as an easy way of making money. This practice is illegal without the appropriate registration and highly dangerous as the fireworks are often stored in unsuitable locations such as private houses. In addition there is a danger that the fireworks are sold to children and find their way onto the street. We see our campaign as means for publicising the legislation in case people are not aware they are breaking the law. Fireworks misuse is a huge problem in some other parts of the country and we are working to prevent it becoming a problem in Cornwall.”

Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden comments, “Fireworks are to be enjoyed but everyone needs to ensure they are safe. If you are having a display at home, remember to plan the display and always follow the instructions on the firework. People also need to consider their neighbours and assess where fireworks may land as a proportion of aerial fireworks such as rockets comes back down and can cause damage or injury.

“The majority of firework injuries happen at family or private parties. Millions of families love watching fireworks, but no-one wants to be a victim of the accidents that can and do happen. Even if you think you know how to handle fireworks, failing to follow the Firework Code properly puts you and your loved ones in danger. Each of us has a responsibility to take the right precautions with fireworks so we can all enjoy them safely this year.”

If you require advice on the sale and storage of fireworks please contact Cornwall County Fire Brigade on 01872 273117 or at www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire. For full details of legislation for businesses visit The Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR) website at: http://www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks/traders.htm.


Notes to Editors:

The Firework Code - follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe at your firework display

· Only buy fireworks that are marked BS7114 – it means they conform to British
safety Standards.

· Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.

· Keep fireworks in a closed box.

· Follow the instructions on each firework and be sure they are suitable for home use

· Light 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.

For further information about firework safety from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) visit www.BERR.gov.uk/fireworks.

The Child Accident Prevention Trust website also has useful tips on keeping children safe. Visit www.capt.org.uk

Further information for retailers about storage and selling of fireworks is available on the Health & Safety Executive website www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2057