Stay safe this Guy Fawkes

27 October 2015

Stay safe this Guy Fawkes

Fireworks will be on sale for four days next week, and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) wants to remind people to take special care when using and storing fireworks.

If you’re lighting fireworks, following some simple tips will help to keep everyone and the environment safe:

• Before you light any firework, read the instructions on the back of its packaging using a torch (not a naked flame).
• Light your fireworks in a wide-open area. Keep away from anything that could catch fire, including unlit fireworks.
• Always have an adult light the fireworks, not a child.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy.
• Leave dud fireworks alone. Trying to relight them is dangerous.
• Stay sober while lighting fireworks. Fireworks and alcohol or drugs are a dangerous combination.
• Keep all unlit fireworks in their box or bag until you are ready to light them.

If you or someone else is burned while using fireworks, be sure to treat the burn under cold water for up to 20 minutes. If the burn is serious, call an ambulance.

Retail fireworks can only be sold from 2 to 5 November, and fireworks cannot be displayed or sold outside this period. Sparklers cannot be sold individually and can only be sold as part of a retail fireworks package. (A retail fireworks package can contain up to 50 sparklers, but must contain at least three other fireworks.) They can only be sold to people aged 18 years and over.
You should avoid storing fireworks in your home. They are explosives, so need to be stored very carefully. It is also hard to predict if stored fireworks will still be safe to use later. If you do need to store fireworks, keep them locked away from children. Wrap them in plastic if possible and keep them somewhere very dry, far away from any flames or heat sources.

Fireworks are controlled by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act. In New Zealand there are a number of rules that regulate the importation, storage, sale and use of fireworks. These rules are in place to prevent harm and to manage the potential risks associated with fireworks.
Read more about fireworks safety
The EPA, Worksafe, NZ Fire Service and the NZ Police are encouraging people to stay safe this Guy Fawkes.

The EPA helps safeguard people and the environment by regulating new organisms and hazardous substances to control the risks and enjoy the benefits. Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act), we meet international obligations to protect our natural, social and cultural environment, while also protecting human health and safety.

ENDS

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