FIREWORKS BE SAFE NOT SORRY - Always Follow The Code

The Office of Fair Trading, Fire Service and the Police are working together again this year to promote Firework Safety on the Island.

The key message to young people and parents is Be Safe Not Sorry - Always Follow The Code.

The agencies particularly want to get the message out to the public that children and fireworks are a dangerous mix. No-one under 18 can buy fireworks legally and yet, consistently in the UK, over half those suffering injuries each year are under 18. Young people on the Island have fared better over the years but the agencies are determined that we should not become complacent.

The Office of Fair Trading is responsible for ensuring the safe storage of fireworks at retailers’ premises and the prevention of the sale of banned fireworks on the Island. The Fire and Rescue Service lead the fireworks safety campaign and the Police deal with public nuisance behavior as well as working with the Office of Fair Trading to reinforce the message to retailers and young people that fireworks can only be sold to those over 18.

Office of Fair Trading Chairman Bill Henderson MHK said: ‘The Office of Fair Trading has worked successfully with the Police and Fire Service for a number of years to ensure that problems with fireworks are kept to a minimum. OFT staff take their licensing responsibilities very seriously and are pleased to acknowledge the support of the other agencies. I hope that this year’s Fireworks Safety Campaign helps to ensure another safe bonfire night for all Island residents.’

Schools are always keen to promote the safety message and the Office of Fair Trading Has supplied them with Fireworks safety material. In addition the Police and Fire Service will be going into the schools to talk to targeted groups about the dangers. The Department of Education and Children Youth Service is also promoting the safety messages through its youth clubs.

During the period 29th October to the midnight 7th November 2010 firework displays can be held without notifying the Department of Home Affairs but anyone planning a display outside of that period must notify the Department at least 21 days in advance of the display date.

Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK said: “The Department welcomes the progress made and the reduction in incidents achieved thanks to the partnership between the police, fire officers and OFT officials. This important campaign is aimed at protecting people as well as minimising the nuisance that can result from the improper use of fireworks.”

Further Quotes

Carl Kinvig, Station Officer/Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Service said “It is essential that people follow the fireworks code to ensure that they stay safe. Fireworks are explosives and burn at high temperatures, so they need careful handling and storage. Remember:- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks; Light fireworks at arm's length with a taper; Stand well back and keep others back; Never go back to a firework after it 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; Store fireworks in a metal box, kept closed between use; Keep pets indoors; and Never give sparklers to children under 5”.

Mike Radcliffe, Crime Prevention Officer, Isle of Man Constabulary said “I am very pleased that the number of incidents over the “fireworks week” has been diminishing during the past few years. In general fireworks seem to be being used sensibly and it is not the intention of the Police to prevent people enjoying themselves. It is important to remember though that it is an offence for anyone to set off a firework in public causing annoyance, distress or harassment to other persons or domestic animals so anyone letting off fireworks should do so with care and consideration”.

John Peet, Chief Inspector of Trading Standards, Office of Fair Trading said “Fireworks bought over the internet can be a problem. Fireworks may not meet safety codes or can even be counterfeit. If you want to buy on the internet look for established brands carrying the British Standard (BS) 7114 mark (or on some fireworks (BS) EN 14035). Better still buy your fireworks locally from licensed shops which have been inspected by our Trading Standards staff”.

NOTES

Further information on fireworks in the Isle of Man can be found at www.gov.im/oft and www.gov.im/dha/ceo/fireworks.xml.

Material used in the Campaign can be found at:

Posters

http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file52756.pdf

http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file52758.pdf

School Packs

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file52764.pdf

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file52765.pdf

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file52766.pdf