28 October 2008
Trading Standards Officers Warn About Firework Safety
Bridgend County Borough Council's Trading Standards Officers are warning residents to buy, store and use fireworks responsibly at this time of year.
The Council's Acting Head of Trading Standards Lee Jones said: "The Fireworks season is nearly upon us for firework safety is a top priority at this time of year, especially with larger and more powerful fireworks on the market - it's crucial that they are not stored, sold or used irresponsibly. We want residents to have a safe and enjoyable bonfire night"
Trading Standards has an important role in tackling these problems, by preventing fireworks getting into the hands of young children and reminding retailers of their own responsibilities when it comes to storing and selling them. As well as inspecting premises who have registered to store fireworks to ensure they are being done so in a safe and responsible manner.
This year the Government is running a regional publicity campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of fireworks misuse. This involves activities with fire and rescue services across the country to show people how to put on a safe display. Trading Standards in Bridgend County Borough will be conducting their own inspections and enforcement activities and an important part of this is educating retailers to remind them of their responsibilities under the regulations.
The regulations cover a number of areas such as ensuring retailers have a licence to sell fireworks outside seasonal periods, prohibiting sales of adult fireworks to under-18s and making sure anyone importing fireworks informs Customs and Excise and also that they are to specific safety standards.
Tough penalties of fines of up to £5,000 and possible imprisonment for up to six months should act as a real deterrent to irresponsible traders.
Animal Health Officers will also be offering guidance in relation to the safety and welfare of pets over this period, Under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animals. The penalty on conviction is either imprisonment up to 51 weeks or a fine of up to £20,000 or both. Enforcement of this section of the Act rests with Trading Standards, the Police or the RSPCA as appropriate.
In summary the Firework Code states:
• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• 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.
Ends - for more information, contact the Communications team on (01656) 643217, 643663 or 643648. Website: www.bridgend.gov.uk Email: talktous@bridgend.gov.uk
- Last Updated: 28/10/2008
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