Expert advice to ensure bonfire night goes off with a bang
A local health and safety specialist is urging organisers of small-scale bonfires and firework displays across Shropshire to put the necessary plans in place to make sure their event goes off without incident.
Ruth Ross, Director of Shrewsbury-based Building Trust in Safety Ltd is reminding people across the county to use common sense and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations to minimise the risk of firework-related accidents and injuries.
“Nearly a thousand people in the UK are hurt every year because of incidents involving fireworks or bonfires, and while we want families across Shropshire to have a fun-packed 5th of November, we don’t want to see an increase in these already worrying statistics,” Ruth Ross commented. “We know that in addition to the many professionally-arranged public displays being held across the county, some people will also stage their own events in their back gardens, or at school or the local pub, and it’s at these events that it’s essential that all safety precautions are put in place.”
Ruth advises organisers to prepare thoroughly in advance of any event, and also to draw up a checklist of all the items they’ll need, such as a torch, eye protectors, gloves, and buckets of water, to ensure the night goes off safely.
“Bonfires should be at least 18 metres away from other buildings, hedges, fences or sheds,” Ruth Ross explained. “We highly recommend only purchasing fireworks from licensed sellers – fireworks that meet British Standards will have BS 7114 printed on them, so always keep an eye out for that mark of quality. And while sparklers may seem quite harmless compared to some of the larger rockets or bangers available, they can hit temperatures of around 2,000oC, that’s five times as hot as cooking oil, so they should be treated with real caution and never given to young children, especially the under fives.
“We’d urge everyone to adopt an element of caution and common sense to make sure this Bonfire Night passes with as few incidents as possible. While advice such as ‘never return to a lit firework’ may seem clichéd, it still rings true, as the number of accidents and injuries reported each year proves. And it’s why the health and safety message needs to be heard,” Ruth Ross concluded.
Building Trust in Safety Ltd was launched in 1999 and is now one of the most respected health and safety consultancies in the UK. Offering a comprehensive and practical solution to all health and safety needs across all industry sectors, Building Trust in Safety’s team of dedicated specialists provides an extensive range of services, enabling businesses to flourish without fear.
For further information please call a member of the dedicated team on 01939 200 221, email ruth@btsltd.co.uk or visit www.btsltd.co.uk
