Home Page Haverhill News

Trading standards officers from Suffolk County Council are currently checking stores across the county for fireworks stored illegally or dangerously.

They will be making checks to ensure that shopkeepers know the law and that any fireworks are stored safely. Checks will also be made to ensure that fireworks are not sold to anyone under 18.

Since 2005 storage conditions have been covered by the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations (MSER) along with existing Health and Safety at work regulations.

This means stores must consider the wider safety implications of storing fireworks and be able to provide evidence that they havea comprehensive risk assessment of their property and fireworks storage, measures to ensure that the public and staff are protected from the effects of any fire or explosion and ensuring that escape routes out of the store are clearly marked and unobstructed and measures taken to protect those living above the shop if fireworks are stored on site.

All businesses in Suffolk registered to sell fireworks have been sent information on the requirements. Any firm wanting more information should check: http://www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks/traders.htm

Any business that requires further advice or new business that wishes to store or sell fireworks should contact Trading Standards on 01473 264859.

Traders and shopkeepers are also reminded that there are strict laws on the sale of fireworks and that they must not sell them to anyone who is under 18 - even if they appear to be older. It is also against the law to sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers and throw-downs to anyone who is under 16.

For further advice on firework sales and firework safety click on the website:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks/public.htm. Anyone with concerns about the storage or sale of fireworks should call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.