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ASSH releases firework safety tips to reduce injuries
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Although fireworks can be an enjoyable addition to many celebrations, operators and spectators can be at risk for burns and blast injuries, as well as soft tissue and bone damage that may require amputations, multiple surgeries and hospitalizations. To help reduce the risk of injuries from fireworks, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand released a position statement warning of the dangers associated with fireworks.
According to the statement, ASSH notes that:
All fireworks are inherently dangerous;
Firework use should be limited to professional display. Explosive materials should only be handled by professionals; and
Firework injury has large personal and economic costs, with firework injuries of the hand and upper extremity as the most common injury site.
To mitigate some of the inherent danger that can be caused by fireworks, ASSH recommends the use of personal protective equipment, including eye protection, with all flammable material to avoid serious injury to the skin and other vital structures. The society also recommends that individuals using fireworks should point these in a safe direction and let bystanders be aware of the plan to ignite fireworks. Alcohol or other drugs should also not be consumed when using fireworks.
In addition, the statement from ASSH lists further safety recommendations from the National Council on Firework Safety, including:
Do no permit children to handle fireworks;
Direct supervision of teenagers by parents should occur at all times;
Only use fireworks outdoors;
Do not mix fireworks and alcohol;
Have a designated single shooter for firework ignition;
Read all labels, warnings and instructions;
Never hold a firework that is not meant to be held;
Light only one firework at a time;
If a firework does not go off, do not relight it. Wait 20 minutes before handling it and place it in a bucket of water;
Have a bucket of water and hose ready to put out any fires;
Do not use homemade fireworks; and
Obey all laws.
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