Be firecracker-wise

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

COLOMBO: Health authorities yesterday warned the public to be extremely cautious when handling and lighting firecrackers during the New Year as they can lead to injury and disability.

According to the General Hospital sources, around 35 firecracker accidents are reported every year during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

General Hospital training officer Pushpa Ramyani Soysa warned the public not to buy firecracker products which do not meet quality standards.

“As we see the market is filled with quality products and fake products as well. Hence customers have to pay special attention on the quality of the products. Sub-standard products have caused many accidents, leading to loss of limbs and even blindness,” she said.

The wick of the firecracker should be not less than two inches in length and the diameter should be 3/8 inches.

The gun powder content should be less than 10 grams in each firecracker.

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Do’s and Don’ts

* Light firecrackers while placed on the ground.

* Get away immediately after the firecracker is lit.

* Don’t light firecrackers while keeping them in the hand.

* Don’t allow children to play with firecrackers or light them unsupervised.

* If a lit firecracker does not explode, no one should reach or touch it.

* Firecrackers should be lit only in isolated places.

* Don’t throw firecrackers on the road, at pedestrians or vehicles.