Police and Trading Standards officers have visited retailers selling fireworks in Renfrewshire to check storage and licensing arrangements ahead of Bonfire Night.
Officers from Police Scotland’s Licensing Department joined Renfrewshire Trading Standards for the visits. They also provided guidance on age restrictions and safe practices, and reminded retailers of their duty to protect the public.
In a post on its Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Facebook page, Police Scotland said: “These proactive checks help prevent illegal sales and reduce the risk of harm in our communities. We appreciate the cooperation of all retailers and their commitment to safety.”
The visits come as online training provider High Speed Training shared safety advice for people planning celebrations on Thursday, 5th November, and the following weekend.
Dr Richard Anderson, Learning Experience Director at High Speed Training, said: “The risks associated with fireworks, bonfires, and even sparklers are significant, but they are also manageable. We urge anyone hosting a display to follow the Firework Code meticulously. Simple steps like planning your display, keeping a safe distance, supervising children, and never returning to a lit firework are essential to prevent devastating injuries.”
The company advises buying UKCA or CE-marked fireworks from a licensed seller. They should be kept in a closed, fireproof box and taken out one at a time.
Anyone lighting fireworks should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They should use a taper or safety lighter at arm’s length, then stand back immediately.
People should never return to a lit firework, even if it has not gone off. Spectators should stay well back, behind a designated line or barrier.
Bonfires should be built well away from fences, sheds, trees and buildings. Before lighting, the pile should be checked for pets and wildlife, including hedgehogs.
Petrol, paraffin and other flammable liquids should never be used to light a bonfire. The company recommends using domestic firelighters and keeping buckets of water or a connected hosepipe nearby.
Bonfires should never be left unattended. At the end of the event, they should be thoroughly doused with water to ensure all embers are extinguished.
Sparklers should never be given to children under five. Anyone handling them should wear gloves, and children should be closely supervised.
They should be kept away from other people and placed in a bucket of cold water after use, as they remain hot.
The company also advises that a sober adult should be responsible for lighting fireworks. Neighbours should be informed in advance, and pets should be kept safely indoors with curtains closed and background noise on.
In Scotland, private use of adult fireworks is normally permitted between 6pm and 11pm. On Bonfire Night, 5th November, the cut-off is extended to midnight. Different restrictions apply in designated Firework Control Zones. www.gov.scot
Police said anyone with information about illegal firework sales, proxy purchasing or planned attacks on emergency workers can report it anonymously through Fearless, part of Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
More information on High Speed Training can be found here, www.highspeedtraining.co.uk.