The dangers of fireworks and children

Today, November 5, is Guy Fawkes and that means an increased risk of burns and eye injuries in children as a direct or indirect result of fireworks. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home, and to encourage your friends and neighbours to do the same.

According to SafeKids Worldwide, more than 3,000 children under the age of 15 are sent to emergency departments each year in the U.S. alone because of fireworks. While stats are not available in South Africa, it is a well-known fact that fireworks can cause serious burns, eye injuries, lost fingers, fractures, other traumatic injuries, and even death in children.

News reports indicate that children as young as six are buying firecrackers from local tuckshops, cafés, and stores across South Africa, not knowing the safety risks involved.

Strict by-laws

Fireworks are governed by strict by-laws. All families are urged to familiarise themselves with the by-laws and to report any infringements to the South Africa Police Services.

• Unless special Council authorisation has been applied for and granted, there are only 11 days annually when residents are allowed to “light or ignite” fireworks. Guy Fawkes and Divali are such days (R500 fine on other days).
• Except for New Year’s Eve, the only permissible time period for igniting fireworks on these days is between 19h00 and 22h00 (R500 fine at any other time).
• No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present (R1000 fine). This includes domestic homes.
• No person may allow any minor (child) under his or her control to “use, light or ignite” fireworks (R1500 fine). No exceptions to this rule.
• No person may use fireworks on any agricultural holding or at any school or senior citizens’ residence without special Council authorisation (R1000 to R1500 fine). This authorisation must be sought well in advance of the intended day.
• No person can use fireworks within 500 metres of any petrol depot or petrol station without special Council authorisation (R1500 fine).
• No person or organisation can “present a fireworks display” unless formally authorised to do so by the Council (at least 14 days’ notice before the display is required by Council to consider such an application). Authorisation is also required from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Chief Inspector of Explosives (multiple fines of R1500 are applicable).
• At such a display (should permission be granted) a pyrotechnist and SA Police Services explosives expert must be present at all times (R1500 fine).
• No person may deal in fireworks (sell or make available) unless they hold a fireworks licence in terms of the Explosives Act as well as the written authority of the Chief Fire Officer (R1500 fine).

Good to know: Sparklers may seem less dangerous than fireworks, but they get extremely hot. Sparklers can light clothes on fire and can cause kids to get badly burned.