Caution for Guy Fawks, asks Council

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 508, 19 October 1993, Page 4

Caution for Guy Fawks, asks Council

The time is fast approaching for the Guy to be paraded, the bonfires lit and the children both young and old to enthral to the colour and spectacle of fireworks. Yes - Guy Fawkes and the inherent joy, and sorrow, that it brings is almost upon us again. Sadly for some, particularly youngsters, the variety of crackers have been outlawed in the interests of both animal and human safety and will not be available for purchase. What about the remainder of fireworks? All aspects of storage and sale of fireworks are subject to the provisions of the Explosi ves Act 1957 which describes how, where, when and to whom fireworks may be stored, displayed or sold. The Act is administered by the Department of Labour which delegates certain responsibilities to the District Council to ensure the requirements of the Act are * adhered to. Allan Low, Council' s dangerous goods inspector has said he will be happy to assist with any enquiry with regard to fireworks. Fireworks may only be sold to people over 14 years of age during a 10-day pe-

riod starting 27 October and ending at midnight 5 November. Outside this period fireworks may not be displayed for sale or be sold. Storage must be in a position where direct sunlight cannot fall on the display and, when not in a closed container, e.g. made-up packs, the display must be covered with an incombustible covering protecting the goods from any source of

ignition. Until September of this year sparklers were available for sale year-round. However, as these items have increased dramatically in size over the last few years this availability has been reviewed with the result that they are to be included in the controlled listing. Even without crackers there remains a large selec-

tion of fireworks which if handled correctly and sensibly will enable most people to celebrate the ill-fated attempt to rid England of it's parliament, according to Mr Low. "The instances of frightened animals, injured humans and damage to property which occur each year through fireworks can be reduced by adequate super-

vision of children by parents and caregivers. Be aware that all fireworks are dangerous - the very nature of material used in ensuring the spectacular airburst of a rocket or the eruptions of colour from a flowerpot require the same ingredient - gunpowder," said Mr Low. "Please be careful and enjoy Guy Fawkes this year."