These substances can readily explode, burn, oxidise or corrode and/or be toxic to people and ecosystems.
If a product is corrosive, flammable, reactive, or toxic it can be hazardous.
Everyday products such as paints, cleaners, and batteries can actually pose a hazard to our health and environment. These household items and all commercial or large quantities of hazardous waste and special waste need special handling consideration and must be disposed of safely.
Guidelines, applications and licences
Safety and fireworks
The following are a few general safety guidelines which if followed ensure that everybody has an enjoyable and safe Guy Fawkes.
- Choose a safe place to let off your fireworks. Check that there is plenty of open space well away from anything which could catch fire.
- Make sure there is a good supply of water available.
- Store and carry your fireworks carefully and safely. Keep them out of reach of young children. Keep them in a closed box or bag away from heat and flames and do not carry fireworks in your pockets.
- Have an adult with you to help and supervise. It is much safer for an adult to light fireworks.
- Read the instructions carefully on your fireworks, preferably before Guy Fawkes night and read each one again before you light it (remember to have a torch).
- Stand your fireworks in dirt, sand or on a firm flat surface.
- Light your fireworks at arms length and then stand well back. Keep well clear of fireworks which have been lit but have not gone off.
- Keep animals away from fireworks. Please remember that throwing fireworks can injure people and animals and damage property.
- Look after young children.
- Ensure that you are conversant with first aid for the treatment of burns and eye injury.
- Make sure you have access to a telephone for use in the event of an emergency.
