ADVICE on how to safely dispose of unused or damaged fireworks has been issued by the fire service and backed by Bromsgrove District Council.
Now that the partying is over and 2019 has arrived, people may find they still have fireworks leftover.
A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire Service said: “A damaged firework is one which is leaking, has failed to function, partially functioned or in a damp condition.”
- How to safely dispose of damaged or unused fireworks:
1.) Drowning or submerging the firework in a bucket of water for a specific period of time will render the firework non-explosive.
The firework must be soaked right through which may take several hours.
2.)In order to avoid possible self-heating the fireworks should be totally immersed in a large volume of water and where necessary weighted down to ensure this.
3.)Then subsequent disposal of the soaked firework with domestic rubbish may be an appropriate action for the general public to take. Place the soaked firework(s) in a plastic bag then into the bin.
4.)Further guidance on safe disposal of fireworks may be available from the retailer or manufacturer of the firework.
This method can and should be used for disposal of fireworks that have functioned correctly.
Soak it – bag it – bin it.
- Legal responsibilities for safe disposal:
1.)Regulation 28 Explosives Regulation 2014 (ER14) requires – Any person who discards or disposes of explosives or explosive-contaminated items must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that they are discarded, or disposed of safely.
2.)Any person who decontaminates explosive-contaminated items must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that they are decontaminated safely.
3.)And, by Order of Secretary of State 11 (3) made under the provisions of the Explosives Act 1875 requires persons not to deposit explosives in receptacles or places appropriated for refuse and states that explosives shall not be handed or forwarded to persons or vehicles employed or appropriated for the removal or conveyance of refuse.
Please remember: Follow all manufacturers’ instructions at all times.
