If you are thinking of using fireworks as part of a celebration, you should follow these safety steps:
- only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows that the firework meets European safety standards which all fireworks must meet (a reputable shop will know this)
- don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
- store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take out one at a time
- keep a bucket of water nearby
- follow the instructions on each firework – read by torchlight, don’t use a naked flame
- light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
- make sure everyone stands well back
- don’t go back to a firework that is lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
- don’t put fireworks in your pocket
- don’t throw fireworks
- always supervise children around fireworks, don’t give sparklers to a child under five
- light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- keep pets indoors
- don’t set off fireworks late at night
- take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues – all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire.
Apply for a fireworks licence
If you want to buy, possess and use fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers) in Northern Ireland, you must have a valid fireworks licence.
Applications to use fireworks over the Halloween period must be submitted to the Department of Justice by Friday 23 October 2015. Forms can be downloaded from the following link on the NI direct website by clicking here.
The post Firework Safety Code appeared first on Dungannon Life.