They sparkle and shine, and look like lots of harmless fun – but they can get six times as hot as a pan of cooking oil. Be aware of sparkler injuries this Guy Fawkes Day.
UK Firework Safety compiled the following sparkler safety tips:
Store sparklers and other fireworks in a closed box
in a cool, dry place;
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Always light sparklers one at a time and wear
gloves;
Never hold a baby or child if you have a sparkler in
your hand;
Plunge finished sparklers hot end down into a bucket
of water as soon as they have burnt out. They can stay hot for a long
time;
Don't take sparklers to public displays. It will be
too crowded to use them safely.
Children and
sparklers:
Never give sparklers to the under 5s - they will not
understand how to use them safely;
Always supervise children using
sparklers;
Give children gloves to wear when holding sparklers;
Avoid dressing children in loose or flowing clothes
- they may catch light;
Show children how to hold sparklers - away from
their body and at arm's length;
Teach children not to wave sparklers near anyone
else or run while holding them.
In an emergency:
Cool the burn or scald with cold water for at least
10 minutes. Cut around material sticking to the skin - don't pull it
off;
Don't touch the burn or burst any
blisters;
Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material -
cling film is ideal - to prevent infection;
If clothing catches fire, get the person to stop,
drop to the floor and roll them in heavy material like a
curtain;
Get advice from your doctor or accident and
emergency department at your local hospital.
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