Keep safe this bonfire night
This Bonfire Night, we are warning people not to take risks with fireworks.
Although most people treat fireworks appropriately, a small minority treat them as toys and forget that they are actually explosives.
We want to make sure you stay safe this November 5 by following this advice:
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Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
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Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
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Keep fireworks in a closed box
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Follow the instructions on each firework
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Light at arm's length, using a taper
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Stand well back
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Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode
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Never put fireworks in you pocket or throw them
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Always supervise children around fireworks
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Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
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Never give sparklers to a child under five
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Keep pets indoors
A useful website is the Health and safety Executive's advise on fireworks.
Things to think about on Bonfire night….
Trading Standards inspects all premises used to store and sell fireworks within North Ayrshire to make sure that the highest safety standards are maintained. Trading Standards Officers work jointly with Strathclyde Police, using under age test purchase volunteers, to ensure that fireworks are only sold to members of the public at least eighteen years of age.
For more information go to www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/
Safety of Pets
The SSPCA has produced a good guide on how to look after pet animals during the fireworks season.
Guidance on the law of the use of fireworks
You can't set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except for 5th November when you can set them off until midnight.
You must be over 18 to buy fireworks.
It is an offence to throw or set off fireworks in a street or public place
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in public