Avoid accidents and dangerous situations with fireworks
On the national holiday, fireworks are set off in honor of Switzerland. Since most official August 1 fireworks displays and celebrations have been canceled this year, all the more private individuals could set off fireworks. The Fire Prevention Advisory Board (BFB), the BFU and Suva therefore assume that there could be an increase in dangerous situations. It is therefore all the more important to adhere to the recommendations for an accident-free August 1.
Every year around August 1, around 110 people are injured in Switzerland while handling fireworks, according to UVG accident statistics. The most common injuries on August 1 include Burnsespecially of hands and fingers (37%), and Hearing damage (22%).
Since most official August 1 celebrations and fireworks displays this year will be cancelled due to the Corona Pandemic had to be canceled, the Fire Prevention Advisory Board (BFB), the BFU and Suva fear that dangerous situations could increase this year as more private individuals set off fireworks. Careless and negligent behavior are the main causes of accidents.
As impressive as fireworks are, they can be dangerous. The ignition temperature of a sparkler can reach over 400 degrees Celsius. Anyone who wants to set off fireworks should therefore ask the sales staff to instruct them on the correct way to handle them and read the instructions for use. It is strongly advised against making your own creations. Also the connection of several fireworks can lead to dangerous situations lead.
General precautions when handling fireworks
- Observe warning and application instructions on the packaging.
- Keep a safe distance from buildings, grain fields or forest edges - depending on the type of firework, this is 40 to 200 meters. The burning of fireworks in the immediate vicinity of people is prohibited.
- Close skylights, windows and doors on festive days.
- Observe age guidelines for fireworks - do not allow young children to set off fireworks. Guide and supervise older children.
- In case of unexploded ordnance, wait 10 minutes and only then approach. Do not relight unexploded ordnance.
- Place fireworks on stable ground. Do not stick rockets into the ground for firing, instead anchor bottle or launch tube into the ground.
- Do not smoke near fireworks.
- Follow the instructions of the authorities. An overview of the fire bans is available on the website of the Federal Office for the Environment available.
Source: AAIB
