Newham Trading Standards issue advice for residents on firework safety.
Newham Council’s Trading Standards Service are urging residents to consider the safe use of fireworks during Guy Fawkes night celebrations. The council wants to ensure residents remain safe at home, or at any pre-organised events that they may attend.
The council has published a range of top tips for the safe use of fireworks.
“Councillor Carleene Lee- Phakoe, Cabinet Member for Crime & Community Safety said:
“The safety of our residents, animals, and wildlife during Guy Fawkes night celebrations is extremely important. Trading Standards are working hard to ensure that everyone stays safe. By following these tips everyone can have a safe and enjoyable night.
“Throughout this period, Trading Standards are conducting a robust programme of underage firework test-purchasing, and enforcement. This is to prevent the sale of age-restricted products, and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour (associated with fireworks) within the borough. The team are working hard to protect residents, whilst ensuring that businesses are supported with the essential advice to remain compliant with the law.”
Top Tips
- You must be over 18 to buy fireworks.
- Only buy fireworks with the CE/UKCA mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time.
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary.
- Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
- Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
- Never set off fireworks near animals.
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
- Clear up firework fall out and dispose of it safely, as it can harm animals.
- If you can’t attend an organised bonfire event make sure you build your bonfire clear of buildings, sheds, fences, hedges and check for any wildlife.
- Make sure that the fire is out, and your surroundings are made safe before leaving.
- Only burn dry grass, weeds, paper, or wood.
- Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder.
- Avoid having a bonfire on windy or damp days.
Animal Welfare
Check there are no animals sheltering within your bonfire. You can check your bonfire for wildlife by using a broom or a pole. Work your way around the bonfire, making sure to lift up the vegetation and check deep in the centre.
For further information on how to keep pets safe during celebrations, please visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks
Newham’s Trading Standards Service are currently conducting a variety of inspections, reminding businesses of their legal obligations, specifically the need for compliance with safety, storage of firework explosives, licensing compliance, and preventing the sale of fireworks to those under the age of 18.
Fireworks for private use can only be purchased from registered retailers during selected dates throughout the year.
For most of the year, it is illegal to set off fireworks (including sparklers) between 11pm and 7am. This curfew is extended to midnight for Guy Fawkes night.
If you suspect the illegal sale of fireworks in the borough, you can report this directly to trading.standards@newham.gov.uk
For further information about bonfires, please visit https://www.newham.gov.uk/public-health-safety/bonfires.
For further information on general firework safety, please visit https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/fireworks/.
If you wish to report an urgent crime in progress associated with fireworks, please contact 999. Alternatively, If you have been a victim of an incident involving fireworks, please report it to the Metropolitan Police on 101 https://www.met.police.uk/