Disturbing the peace
Every year at Guy Fawkes, New Year’s and other occasions, children (and adults) suffer injuries ranging from minor burns to losing an eye, and animals everywhere are severely traumatised. Loud fireworks, apart from adding to noise pollution, may also be associated with hearing loss. Still other serious injuries have resulted from explosions at fireworks factories and stores.

Advertisement

Fireworks are also a fire risk, especially in countries like ours where 5 November falls in the summer fire season.

A legal issue
The Explosives Act has the following to say about fireworks:

• It is illegal to discharge a firework in a public place.
• You need a licence to sell fireworks and you may not sell them to anyone under the age of 16.
• Any premises in which fireworks are handled (e.g. a shop) should have at least two exits, and should keep the fireworks at the rear of the building relative to the main exit.
• Fireworks should not be displayed or kept anywhere that the public can have access to them. They must be kept under a counter or in a locked container.
• It is illegal for anyone to smoke or take a naked flame onto premises where fireworks are stored or handled.
• Parents are held responsible if their children use fireworks illegally.

Some municipalities have additional bylaws relating to the use of fireworks, and they are banned completely in some areas, so ask the local authorities as to the situation where you live.

If you are aware of anyone violating the law as regards fireworks, then phone your local branch of the South African Police. Also call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) if animals are affected.

Celebrate safely
Skipping the fireworks this year doesn’t mean you can’t arrange an alternative treat for your family. There may be a large (regulated) public fireworks display organized in your area – check the newspaper.

If you do decide to buy fireworks, go for the quieter, non-shrieking-banging kind. Don’t let kids use them unsupervised, and keep your pets indoors. Remember to tell your neighbours, so they can also care for their animals.

In addition to keeping pets inside, the SPCA recommends collars with ID discs or a microchip, in case animals panic and get lost. For very nervous animals, the organisation suggests asking your vet for a suitable sedative.

(Olivia Rose-Innes, EnviroHealth Expert, Health24, last updated November 2007) Sparklers can get red-hot!
 

Print this article

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

JOBS

Senior Secretary Gauteng - North/Sandton Infrastructure Resource Gauteng - Johannesburg Management Accountant R450,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial Manager R350,000-400,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial and Project Accountant R300,000-360,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Financial Accountant R380,000-420,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg SSIS Business Intelligence Specialists (SSIS; SSAS) R350,000-500,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - North/Sandton Financial Accountant R350,000-450,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - South Find more jobs Register your CV Post a job