Pictured: Ruth Ross, Director of Shrewsbury-based Building
Trust in Safety Ltd
A local health and safety specialist is urging organisers of
small-scale bonfires and firework displays across Shropshire to put
the necessary plans in place to make sure their event goes off
without incident.
Ruth Ross, Director of Shrewsbury-based Building Trust in Safety
Ltd is reminding people across the county to use common sense and
comply with all relevant health and safety regulations to minimise
the risk of firework-related accidents and injuries.
"Nearly a thousand people in the UK are hurt every year because
of incidents involving fireworks or bonfires, and while we want
families across Shropshire to have a fun-packed 5th of November, we
don't want to see an increase in these already worrying
statistics," Ruth Ross commented. "We know that in addition to the
many professionally-arranged public displays being held across the
county, some people will also stage their own events in their back
gardens, or at school or the local pub, and it's at these events
that it's essential that all safety precautions are put in
place."
Ruth advises organisers to prepare thoroughly in advance of any
event, and also to draw up a checklist of all the items they'll
need, such as a torch, eye protectors, gloves, and buckets of
water, to ensure the night goes off safely.
"Bonfires should be at least 18 metres away from other
buildings, hedges, fences or sheds," Ruth Ross explained. "We
highly recommend only purchasing fireworks from licensed sellers -
fireworks that meet British Standards will have BS 7114 printed on
them, so always keep an eye out for that mark of quality. And while
sparklers may seem quite harmless compared to some of the larger
rockets or bangers available, they can hit temperatures of around
2,000oC, that's five times as hot as cooking oil, so they should be
treated with real caution and never given to young children,
especially the under fives.
"We'd urge everyone to adopt an element of caution and common
sense to make sure this Bonfire Night passes with as few incidents
as possible. While advice such as 'never return to a lit firework'
may seem clichéd, it still rings true, as the number of
accidents and injuries reported each year proves. And it's why the
health and safety message needs to be heard," Ruth Ross
concluded.
Building Trust in Safety Ltd was launched in 1999 and is now one
of the most respected health and safety consultancies in the UK.
Offering a comprehensive and practical solution to all health and
safety needs across all industry sectors, Building Trust in
Safety's team of dedicated specialists provides an extensive range
of services, enabling businesses to flourish without fear.
For further information please call a member of the dedicated
team on 01939 200 221, email ruth@btsltd.co.uk