,This time of year brings enjoyment but it can be laced with danger! Very few people have open fires now. Bonfires can look interesting and have a noise all of their own out of the normal - nice and warm etc., the list of enticements can be long.
If you are having one, take care and plan it well, including a risk assessment:
Where is it going to be?
Do not put it near anything which is remotely flammable.
Check which direction the prevailing wind come from.
Light it with a long wand placed into recently positioned dry, thinly cut tinder or wood shavings etc.
NEVER use an accelerant, lighter fuel, petrol or similar.
Keep a hose pipe ready for instant use. Have a bucket of water ready.
Look after children, do not lose sight of them at any time.
Fireworks are great to look at and listen to - they are exciting! However, some people do not like them, most pets certainly don’t like them. Please be aware!
If you have ground fireworks, do not put them on the ground, put them in a sand box or sand pit for stability. Follow any instructions.
Rockets - do not put them in a “bottle” as it can fall over. Put a piece of pipe in the ground and then put the stick in it, facing the rocket away from anyone watching and be aware of what direction it could be going. Follow any instructions.
Mortars, Follow any instructions.
Do not throw fireworks.
Do not return to any firework for a while, that does not activate. Keep a bucket of water to hand to put dud fireworks in.
Make sure that any fancy-dress costumes are safe.
Again - look after children, do not lose sight of them at any time.
The above is not comprehensive, it's to promote serious thought to make your evening enjoyable.
Should the unthinkable happen and there is an accident involving burns:-This could be radiation from standing too close to the fire, wind blown embers etc. It could be from holding a firework or picking one up. It could be from being hit by a firework.
Should this happen . . .
Remove any clothing that is not stuck to the burn and remove any jewellery before any swelling.
Cool any burn with running, tepid water. Cold water will do but be aware of the size of any burn and the size of any patient, rapid cooling can cause hypothermia.
Cooling should continue for 10min.
If possible cover the burn area with cling film, not tightly wrapped, and continue cooling.
Any burn to a child, call an ambulance.
Do not use creams, leave this to the emergency services.
If the burn is painful, there is no nerve damage.
If there is no pain there is some nerve damage.
The above will work but it is not comprehensive. LEARN FIRST AID
To learn more about Hypothermia, burns and other problems that could affect you or anyone at any time contact Life Saving Solutions Limited. Be the person that can help themselves and, just as importantly, others.