Have an enjoyable and incident free Guy Fawkes.

Thursday 04 November

OSH is urging New Zealanders to be careful and keep safety in mind to ensure they have an enjoyable and incident free Guy Fawkes.

"Every firework coming into New Zealand must be approved and tested against safety standards by the Chief Inspector of Explosives and Dangerous Goods prior to going on sale," OSH spokesperson Justin Brownlie said.

"However, any firework can be unsafe if it is not handled properly. The need to treat them with respect and according to instructions remains paramount.

"Retail outlets have strict rules governing the sale of fireworks to the public and they must be sold in approved packaging or under glass, and only to customers 14 years of age and over.

"Although sky rockets and fire crackers are no longer available by law, fireworks can still be very dangerous and must be handled with care. Instructions should be read carefully and stored well away from naked flame.

"Fireworks are classed as explosives and are intended for Guy Fawkes celebrations only, hence sale is limited until November 5.

"Unwanted, illegally imported, or fireworks not approved for sale by OSH are destroyed by members of the Dangerous and Explosives Goods Inspectorate," Mr Brownlie said.

Basic Safety Rules When Handling Fireworks:

Some ways you can protect yourself are:

• Choose a safe place to let off your fireworks.
• There must be plenty of open space.
• Is it away from anything which could catch fire?
• Is there water available in an emergency?
• Store and carry your fireworks safely.
• Keep them:-
  • out of the reach of young children
  • in a box or bag (not in your pocket)
  • away from heat and flames
• Read the instructions on your fireworks before Guy Fawkes Night and read each one again before you light it.
• Light your fireworks at arm's length, then stand way back.
• Keep clear of fireworks which have been lit, but haven't gone off.
• Ensure that there is adult supervision of fireworks at all times.
• Stand your fireworks in dirt or sand and on a firm, flat surface.

Some ways you can help to protect others are:

Keep animals away from fireworks

Remember that throwing fireworks can injure people and animals, and damage property.

Look after young children

Due regard must be given to adjoining properties

If things go wrong, remember what to do:

If clothes catch fire

STOP where you are. This helps to prevent the flames spreading.

DROP to the ground. Flames burn upwards, so if you drop to the ground it will help to prevent them reaching your face. Cross your arms over your face to keep the flames away.

ROLL over and over to put out the flames. If a coat, blanket or rug is nearby, wrap it around yourself and roll.