To prevent fires and accidents resulting from the use of pyrotechnic devices, a republican campaign "Safe New Year!" is being held in the Lepel district from December 4 to December 28.
To prevent fires and accidents resulting from the use of pyrotechnic devices, a republican campaign "Safe New Year!" is being held in the Lepel district from December 4 to December 28. Every year, during the celebration of these universally beloved holidays, people sustain injuries and mutilations when using pyrotechnics. The reason for this is the low quality of pyrotechnics and the disregard for safety rules when handling them. According to data provided by the Ministry of Health, 30 people, including 9 children, were injured by pyrotechnic-related incidents during the New Year holidays.
For reference: the burning temperature of flying pyrotechnic elements can reach up to 20000C. If a burning fragment flies into a room, a fire is guaranteed. Consequently, if it hits a person, a serious injury is guaranteed.
Several incidents that occurred during the New Year's Eve celebration of 2017.
In Vitebsk, on New Year's Eve, a 23-year-old university student suffered an abdominal burn while using pyrotechnics and was hospitalized. The young man explained that he and his friends were using firecrackers near the dormitory after midnight, and he accidentally sustained the injury. After receiving first aid, medics admitted the young man to the hospital for observation.
In Grodno, on New Year's Eve, a man was setting off fireworks, and at some point, one of them failed to ignite. When the man approached to see what was wrong, the firework went off and hit the person setting it off. The injured man was taken to the hospital.
In Novolukoml, Chashniki District, two people were injured by exploding firecrackers: On January 1, information was received from the district hospital by the police about a patient born in 1963, who was admitted with a laceration of the first and second fingers of his right hand and an open fracture of the nail phalanx on one of the fingers. It was found that the man sustained the injuries around two o'clock in the morning on the balcony of his apartment – a firecracker exploded in his hands.
On the same night, a fifteen-year-old boy sought medical attention at the hospital with a thermal burn to his right hand. He sustained the injury on the street under similar circumstances.
Regarding pyrotechnics, they are divided into classes. All pyrotechnic articles of the first, second, and third classes (crackers, sparklers, firecrackers) are considered domestic pyrotechnics and can be used by citizens, provided they are purchased from specialized retail outlets that have all the necessary documents. Pyrotechnics can only be used after carefully studying the operating instructions. However, pyrotechnics of the fourth and fifth classes (fireworks, salutes, signal flares) are considered professional. They cannot be bought in ordinary supermarkets or at the market. For citizens, they are sold illegally, and their use is dangerous. Pyrotechnics must be purchased only at authorized points of sale. Request a certificate of conformity for the pyrotechnic article from the seller. Each explosive device must be supplied with an instruction manual, which should indicate: the name of the article, a warning about its danger, conditions and restrictions for use and handling, methods for safe preparation for operation, launch and disposal, as well as storage rules, manufacturing date and warranty period, emergency procedures in case of malfunction of the pyrotechnic device and in case of an emergency situation. Attention should be paid to ensuring that the product packaging is not damaged and that the instructions are written in Russian or Belarusian. Due to the fact that the flight path of flying pyrotechnic articles cannot be predicted, it can easily fly onto the balcony of a nearby building or even enter an apartment through an open window and cause a fire. Therefore, when using pyrotechnic articles, you must move away to a safe distance from buildings and structures, as well as vehicles. It is best to do this in an open area, while ensuring that there are no accidental passers-by nearby. Under no circumstances should pyrotechnics be used in public places. When launching, it is advisable to re-read the instructions. Do not launch the article in strong winds. Under no circumstances should children be allowed to use pyrotechnic articles.
In the event that a firework fails to ignite, under no circumstances should you attempt to "revive" it. A battery, firecracker, or single salute may detonate at the most inopportune moment in your hands or in close proximity to people.
When setting off fireworks, specialists always recommend having water readily available. Firstly, it will help to quickly extinguish any sudden fires, and secondly, it is advisable to wet all used fireworks in case there are any explosive or flammable substances remaining inside.
Even sparklers can be dangerous if handled improperly. After burning out, the magnesium composition coating the stick retains a very high temperature. It can not only cause damage but also ignite furniture, let alone napkins. After use, sparklers should also be placed in a glass of water. Particular attention from adults is drawn to the use of pyrotechnics by children. As a rule, parents not only discuss the dangers of using pyrotechnic devices but also, often in front of children, violate all safety rules by setting off fireworks and firecrackers.
In addition, unscrupulous vendors easily sell pyrotechnic devices to children. These children, in turn, start their "shows" long before the New Year's holidays begin. For fun, they throw firecrackers into each other's hoods or at the feet of passers-by. The result is always sad: burns and injuries that are difficult to treat. And if a rocket explodes in one's hand, the consequences are more serious – finger amputation, lifelong disability.
And of course, no New Year's celebration is complete without a Christmas tree. When installing and using the festive tree, safety rules must also be observed. The tree must be securely fixed on a stable stand, with its branches and top not touching walls or furnishings. It is best to remove carpets and rugs from under the tree. When choosing a location for the green beauty, one must consider not only where it will look most impressive but also where it will be safest – typically, away from heating appliances, televisions, and radiators. The best decoration for a New Year's tree is an electric garland. The most important recommendation is to purchase it from shops, not from market vendors. As for candles, they must be securely fixed on non-combustible stands (porcelain, ceramic, glass, metal), placed far from the tree, furniture, and curtains, as well as from the dancing area, so that they cannot be accidentally touched or knocked over.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations reminds you that strict adherence to fire safety rules is the key to your health and well-being!