Bonfire night safety call

Oct 20 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

SAFETY bosses are calling on the public to play safe as Guy Fawkes’ Night approaches.

West Lothian Community Safety Unit, which is made up of representatives of the police, fire and trading standards, has issued its plea ahead of the annual celebration.

November 5 is one of the busiest days of the year for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service.

And their group manager Stuart Stevens said it’s important for everyone to be aware of how to have fun without being hurt.

He said: “The service has been working closely with partners including Lothian and Borders Police and West Lothian Council to deliver fire safety advice and discourage unsupervised bonfires which can be a risk to the public and greatly increase the number of calls to the fire service at this time of year.

“This is always an exceptionally busy time of year for us although in recent years we have seen a reduction in calls which is good news.

“People can be seriously hurt by misusing fireworks which are very similar to explosives.

“Those most at risk are unsupervised children, particularly those who play with fire or who get too close to bonfires.”

The firefighter said it’s important to behave responsibly for the sake of everyone in the community.

He said: “At this time of year the Fire and Rescue Service is regularly called out to extinguish uncontrolled or badly sited bonfires, putting pressure on resources immediately available for more serious incidents, including house fires and road traffic accidents, where our life saving equipment is really needed.

“The lead up to Guy Fawkes Night is our busiest period and along with the police, councils and others we will continue to work together to reduce the number of incidents and accidents we are called out to.

“We want everyone to enjoy this time of year but stay safe and stick to supervised bonfires and firework displays.”

Bonfires should be set up at least 18 metres from any building, and must be no taller than 2.5 metres tall.

Piles of rubbish or waste should also be checked before burning as they are often used as a refuge by animals.

The local authority plan to play their part in reducing Bonfire Night injuries by cracking down on the sale of fireworks.

They will use young volunteers to carry out test purchasing to ensure stores are not selling to underage youngsters.

But trading standards are also urging the public to make sure they know the rules on when fireworks can be used legally.

Ed Machin, Trading Standards manager, explained: “People should be aware that, under the Firework Regulations 2004 and the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005, no person shall use adult fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except from 11pm to midnight on November 5; 11pm on December 31 and 1am on January 1; the first day of Chinese New Year, from 11pm to 1am the following day and the first day of Diwali, from 11pm to 1am the following day.

“With regards to the sale of fireworks these are only allowed between October 15 to November 10; December 26 to December 31; the first day of Chinese New Year and the three days preceding this and the day of Diwali and the three days preceding this.

“Any sale of fireworks during these periods requires registration and if a trader wishes to sell outside these periods, it requires a special licence.”

The experts are also calling on local people to ensure they follow the firework code.

The rules include: only buying fireworks marked BS 7114; keep fireworks in a closed box; following the instructions on each firework; lighting them at arm's length using a taper; standing well back; always supervising children around fireworks; lighting sparklers one at a time and wear gloves; keeping pets indoors; not drinking alcohol if setting off fireworks; never going near a lit firework; never putting fireworks in your pocket or throwing them; never giving sparklers to children under five and not setting off fireworks after 11pm.

Inspector Stephen Elliot, manager of the West Lothian Community Safety Unit, added: “First and foremost we want to make sure everyone enjoys this very exciting time of year.

“While we are pleased to see the number of call outs has reduced in recent years, we are by no means complacent, and are encouraging everyone to take responsibility to reduce the number of incidents this year.

“In addition, we will robustly pursue anyone involved in illegal bonfires, and would encourage anyone with any information or concerns regarding this to contact police on 0131 311 3131.”