AS NOVEMBER draws near and bonfire night is only days away the shops are selling fireworks.

In the excitement it is easy to forget that fireworks are explosives and can be very dangerous in the wrong hands or if used incorrectly.

Every year, a large number of people received hospital treatment for injuries caused by fireworks.

City of York Council Trading Standards urges everyone to remember when storing or letting off fireworks that safety has to be the number one priority, especially child safety.

Anyone who lets off a firework, or throws a firework in a street or public place, commits an offence, and can be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000.

Anyone who sells fireworks must be registered with Trading Standards, and the fireworks must be stored safely. Fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under 18.

Sparklers cannot be sold to anyone under 16. Any person selling to those under age will risk prosecution, a fine of up to £5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months.

We would ask everyone to remember and follow the Firework Safety Code to ensure that bonfire night is enjoyed and no one gets injured. The code states:

Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114

Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks

Keep fireworks in a closed box

Follow the instructions on each firework

Light them at arm's length, using a taper

Stand well back

Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it has not gone off, it could still explode

Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them

Always supervise children around fireworks

Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves

Never give sparklers to a child under five

Keep pets indoors.

If you are buying fireworks to use at home you cannot buy:

Bangers

Mini-rockets

Aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells-in-mortar and maroons-in-mortar

Fireworks with erratic flight (eg ground spinners, jumping jacks, squibs).

All fireworks which are not suitable for use by the general public have to be marked: "This device must not be sold to, or used by, a member of the general public". If you are sold one of these do not use it and report the sale to Trading Standards.

If you want further information about firework safety, or any other consumer matter, phone City of York Council Trading Standards on 01904 551562, or call at 9 St Leonard's Place. Our fax number is 01904 551590, or email us at trading.standards@york.gov.uk

Updated: 08:53 Thursday, October 23, 2003