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Archive for the ‘Firework Safety’ Category

http://www.fireworksafety.me.uk

http://www.fireworksafety.me.uk

http://www.fireworksafety.me.uk

This video is a great example of how not to behave if your fireworks stand decides to explode all around you.

rule 1. do not go back to the fireworks

rule 2. do not hang around

rule 3. do not assume that pulling a tarpaulin over the back of your truck will stop the fireworks in it blowing up

rule 4. for the love of god just run!

Counting fingers.

The New Year festival in China this year had fewer accidents than last year according to the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. Festivities took place all across China between the 13^th and 19^th February and in that time private parties and celebrations across China caused a total of 1,626 recorded accidents. This does sound like a lot but remember this is a country with about 1.3 Billion people in it, when you think of it like that; it doesn’t seem so bad and is apparently down 3.3% on last year.

Until you think of this, 11 deaths. 11 people died that week due to firework mishaps. Makes you think what the reaction would be like in the UK if 1 person died during Bonfire Night. Yet in China it is accepted as the norm. Although we must bear in mind that almost everyman and his dog set off fireworks in China. It’s ingrained in the culture since long before we had even heard of gunpowder in this country. So who are we to argue? Still with all these deaths and injuries and accidents you do have to wonder what is causing them all.

Well apparently, its firecrackers.

The majority of accidents were caused by firecrackers being handled incorrectly; this is despite increased efforts by police forces nationwide to monitor the production, transportation, storage and sale of this extremely popular form of fireworks. The key thing to note here is it is not through faulty firecrackers, it is through faulty use.

So it seems that the injuries and accidents come from the same source they do all round the world. Not through people using fireworks, but using them irresponsibly. The solution is not to ban firecrackers (good luck getting a ban in China, firecrackers have been used there for many centuries to scare off evil demons), rather the solution is to educate people on how to better use fireworks and make them safer, and therefore more enjoyable for everyone involved.

All too often a product is banned because it has been inappropriately used by someone. You cannot blame a gun for shooting someone nor a car for hitting a pedestrian, but all to often we hear people saying fireworks should be banned because someone has been injured. We all want to reduce accidents and make the world a safer place. The best way to make it safer is through education. Maybe we have something to learn still from the Chinese, the ancient culture that gave the world fireworks in the first place.

Common Sence and Fireworks – Watch more Funny Videos

Although consumer fireworks are generally considered safe when proper procedures are followed, accidents due to intentional misuse or manufacturer defects can and do occur. Here are some first aid tips for handling home fireworks accidents.

Every year, thousands of consumers purchase fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night or New Year’s. In general, a site is selected that is free of flammable material and is suitable for the specific needs of the fireworks themselves. Conscientious users also provide a means of fire-prevention, usually a supply of sand or water. But despite these precautions, accidents involving home fireworks can and do occur with enough frequency to keep emergency rooms busy. Whether you are a participant or a casual observer at a home fireworks display, here are some first aid tips to keep in mind should an accident occur:

1. Before an accident has a chance to happen, take a proactive stance. Besides preparing for a firework that misfires, prepare for the possibility of a human misfire. Have a supply of gauze, hydrogen peroxide, ice water and other first aid supplies readily available. If an accident is severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room, you’ll want to save as much time as possible. The sooner a bandage can be applied or a wound cleansed, the better for all involved.

2. Chemical burns: These are probably the most common injury connected with a defective firework. Rockets and other projectiles are designed to expel extremely hot gases towards the ground, so a severe chemical burn can occur in the first few seconds of a misfire. Assess the condition of whatever area of skin was exposed to the flame. If it appears reddened but not blistered, it is a first-degree burn and can be treated with an over-the-counter burn ointment and a loosely-wrapped gauze bandage and medical tape. If you notice blisters, the burn is at least second-degree and will require medical attention soon. DO NOT attempt to burst any blisters that form. Check to see if any chemical residue is still surrounding the wound. Some fireworks contain phosphorus, which can react with water and cause more burning, so do NOT wash the injury with water or peroxide if you suspect the presence of chemicals. Gently use a dry cloth to brush away loose materials around the burn. Place a dry gauze pad directly over the blistered area and secure it with a loosely wrapped piece of medical tape. Advise the victim not to do anything to the injured area, and arrange for professional medical treatment. If the injured area looks charred or tissue seems to be missing, the burn is third-degree and you need immediate professional medical assistance. Keep the victim calm and hydrated, and check for any signs of shock, such as shallow breathing or appearing ’spaced out’ and disconnected. Because of the nerve damage that can accompany third-degree burns, these injuries may not register as painful to the victim, so don’t be alarmed if they show no signs of apparent pain or suffering. Parents should especially be aware of sparklers around small children. The ignition point of these ‘low-level’ fireworks can reach the temperature of a welder’s torch.

3. Severe lacerations and amputations. Many fireworks have an explosive stage, and have the force necessary to completely sever fingers. Most of the time a firework is safely out of range before the explosion occurs, but intentional misuse or a faulty timing fuse can cause an powerful blast near the victim. If an unplanned explosion occurs, seconds may count. Immediately assess the injury on the field. Are all body parts accounted for? Even if an amputation has not occurred, the damage to the hand and fingers can be extensive. Bleeding is your first concern. Excessive blood loss can cause the victim to go into shock. Apply a gauze pad directly to the wound and maintain pressure. Have someone else contact professional medical help. If there is a amputation, scan the area for the missing body part. Enlist bystanders to aid in this search, since your own priority should be the victim. If the part is found, store it in a plastic bag. Ice would also be acceptable. If none of these materials are readily available, do not waste valuable time looking for them. Place the part in a container and make sure the medical professionals receive it. Amputated parts may or may not be reattachable, but your patient’s overall health takes precedence.

4. Eye injury. These are not common injuries if all safety procedures are followed, but occasionally a misfired firework may send a shower of sparks flying in all directions, including the eye area. Sparklers commonly cause some minor eye injuries if the child holds the lit sparkler too close to the face. If an eye injury occurs, assess the victim for any other injuries. Advise them not to rub their eyes, which may cause the chemical to spread or the foreign object to scratch the eyeball. Lift the victim’s eyelid and inspect the eyeball for any large particles or foreign objects. If you see an object that has imbedded itself into the eye tissue, you should not attempt to remove it yourself. Transport the victim to professional medical treatment as soon as possible. If the irritant appears to be small and not imbedded, then use a commercial eyewash product to remove the chemical. In an emergency, use regular water to flush out the chemical. The chances of getting an infection from tap water are remote compared to the chances of permanent eye tissue damage by doing nothing. Continue flushing the eye with water for several minutes. Have the victim consult their eye doctor or other professional for further treatment. While a spark from a sparkler may be very painful to a child, the actual amount of foreign material is generally very small. Use a commercial eyecare product to soothe the irritation, and assure the child that there is no permanent injury.

Chinese communities across Cambridge are being offered fire safety advice as they prepare to celebrate the Chinese New Year, which begins next Sunday (14 February 2010).

The year of the tiger will see people spending more time at home – cooking while entertaining or relaxing with family or friends. Sadly, this can lead to an increase in the number of fires.

Wendy Coleman, Community Safety Advisor for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The new year festivities are very special to Chinese communities as it is a period of good luck and starting afresh.

“By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risks for yourself and your family. I would especially urge anyone celebrating the Chinese New Year to ensure they have a working smoke alarm installed on every floor of their home”.

As the most important date in the Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year represents a fresh start in life and brings fresh hopes for happiness and prosperity. However, whilst celebrating the festival, take these simple precautions and avoid the risk of fire to yourself and your family:

• Fit working smoke alarms on each floor level in your home. Consider buying a ten year alarm – otherwise test the alarm once a week and change the batteries every year.
• Treat fireworks with great caution. Only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114 and always read the instructions.
• At all times, keep flames from candles at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and decorations. Long hair and clothing are also very flammable.
• Keep the flame out of reach of children and animals. Children should be supervised at all times near flames.
• When cooking deep-fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. Never fill the pan more than one-third full of oil. Never throw water over
  the pan. If you do have a fire, get out of the house and dial 999, don’t attempt to fight it yourself. 
• Avoid overloading electrical sockets. Try to remember, one plug – one socket. If you must have more plugs connected always use a fused adaptor.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service can help you design a fire plan so that you and your family will know how to react if you have a fire. The Service also offers FREE Home Fire Safety Checks, which is where a member of the fire service will visit your home, give individual fire safety advice and fit smoke alarms where needed.