Nockolds Resources

Fireworks – What you need to know to enjoy November 5th

As we approach the 5th November the excitement of seeing beautiful firework displays intensifies but unfortunately although fireworks can be exciting and attractive they are also dangerous.

There is legislation in place to try to prevent accidents including the Firework Regulations 2004 and the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010. Under the 2004 regulations it defines an “adult” firework as any firework which does not comply with the requirements in BS 7114. This covers most fireworks with the exception of sparklers, party poppers, caps and other similar less dangerous fireworks.
No person under the age of eighteen must possess an adult firework in a public place and it is illegal to sell adult fireworks to them. There are also restrictions on the manufacture, sale and import of fireworks but this does not prevent accidents from happening.

It is estimated that in the next 4 weeks there will be as many as 500 children attending A & E with firework related injuries

Bonfire night should be a time for celebration and enjoyment but whether you are watching a firework display or using fireworks yourself it should be done in a responsible manner. Those who act irresponsibly around fireworks can cause injuries to themselves or others. Do not believe that certain fireworks are safer than others this simply is not the case. A sparkler (for example) can burn at 2000 degree Celsius and can cause significant damage if it comes into contact with your skin.

It is essential that those who organise firework displays are properly trained and they ensure the people that assist them have sufficient training as well. In 1997 Mr Bottomley an untrained helper was assisting at a firework display at Todmorden Cricket Club. His task was concerned with a pair of mortars. These mortars were metal tubes set into the ground which had been filled with petrol. His job was to prime the mortars by lowering gunpowder in a plastic bag into the mortar. The charge contained an electrical igniter that could be fired remotely by applying a voltage from a car battery across the end of the attached firing cable. As he was placing the gunpowder charge into the second mortar tube, the contents of the mortar tube ignited and exploded in his face, causing him severe burns and a broken arm. He successfully claimed against the company organising the display and the Cricket Club where it took place.

Fireworks are often very loud (140db) and being too close to explosions from fireworks can cause hearing loss. In 2002 for example Mr Warne recovered damages of £10,000 when a firework that was intended to rise into the air exploded near to him causing significant hearing loss.
To prevent yourself or your loved ones from becoming involved in a firework accident this year, you should follow the firework code:
•  Keep fireworks in a closed box
•  Follow the instructions on each firework
•  Light all fireworks at arm’s length
•  Stand well back
•  Never go back to a lit firework
•  Never put fireworks in your pocket
•  Never throw fireworks
•  Keep Pets indoors

Hopefully your bonfire night will be an evening to remember for positive reasons as if handled carefully fireworks can bring laughter and entertainment to families and friends.
If, however you do become injured in a firework accident that wasn’t your fault then you may be able to make a claim and the experts in Nockolds LLP’s accident team are here to help. They are experienced in dealing with claims involving burns and scars to the skin and also specialise in hearing loss claims which may arise. We hope that you are never involved in an accident involving fireworks but if you are and someone else is to blame Nockolds will look after you.
Contact Ivan Moody on (01279) 712 532 or email him on imoody@nockolds.co.uk

Ivan Moody (profile) Ivan Moody Tuesday 1st November 2011
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