Remember, remember the 5th of November… and to celebrate Bonfire Night safely! Here at EP Risk Consultancy, we’re appealing to everyone to take great care whilst celebrating this week.

Although Bonfire Night can be great fun for all the family, many accidents are caused by the improper use of fireworks, sparklers and bonfires.

We’d always encourage you to attend an organised display instead of having fireworks at home. If you do choose to organise your own fireworks, please make sure you follow the guidance set out by The Firework Code.

The Firework Code:

• Only buy fireworks that are CE marked
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light them at arm’s length using a taper
• Stand well back
• Never go near a firework that has been lit (even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode)
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Keep pets indoors
• Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm

We also don’t recommend having a bonfire in your garden. They can easily get out of hand and spread very quickly to hedges, overhanging trees and garages – or even to the house! If you do decide to have your own bonfire, please follow our Bonfire Safety Tips.

Bonfire Safety Tips: 

• If you are having a bonfire discuss it with your neighbours beforehand
• Don’t build a bonfire too far in advance of the day as it can encourage anti-social behaviour
• Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees
• Check there are no cables (for example telephone wires) above the bonfire
• Ensure there is a suitable barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators at least five metres away
• Always check that no children or animals are hiding in the bonfire before lighting
• Don’t burn aerosols, batteries, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint (many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode)
• Don’t use petrol, paraffin, diesel, white spirit or methylated spirit to light the bonfire
• Keep some buckets of water nearby in case of an emergency and to damp down after the event

Should you require any further guidance, we recommend taking a look at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) resources on firework, sparkler and bonfire safety.

EP Risk Consultancy wish everyone a fun, happy and safe Bonfire Night. Should you wish to discuss any issues raised in this article, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.