November 2, 1995. Copyright, 1995, Graphic News. All rights reserved

THE DANGERS OF BONFIRE NIGHT
By Nicholas Booth, Science Editor

LONDON, November 2, Graphic News- With the Bonfire season upon us, safety experts and trading standards officers are warning the public to be aware of dangerous imported fireworks. In particular, Chinese-made ÔRed LionÕ fireworks should be avoided as they contain unstable mixtures banned by both health and safety as well as explosives regulations. If purchased, consumers are warned to soak them in water for 24 hours before handing them into their local fire station.

The National Campaign For Firework Reform is calling for drastic action to be taken. Last year, firework accidents reached a twenty-five year high with two deaths and 1,574 hospital-treated injuries, just under a third of which were eye-related. Last year, the largest number of injuries, 642, took place at back garden parties, with 500 taking place on the streets. These figures refer solely to hospital treated-cases and there may be untold thousands of other injuries across the country.

Last yearÕs figures were 50 per cent higher than 1993 when the government removed the requirement for import licenses for fireworks. The Campaign wants a total ban on shop sales of fireworks, especially to young people and by untrained staff who cannot explain safety procedures to customers. The rise in figures cannot be blamed on cheap imports from the Far East alone, the Campaign warns. Increasingly powerful, but better made, fireworks from countries like Germany Ð those normally used in public displays Ð can now be bought over the shop counter. Many of the most powerful, so-called Category 4, fireworks are being brought into the UK by transporter lorries from Holland, a country where the most dangerous fireworks have traditionally been stockpiled.

Sources: National Campaign For Firework Reform


NOTE FOR EDITORS:  Consult your local trading standards departments for any additional guidelines and information.