27 October 2004

Fireworks on Sale Today

Fireworks go on sale to the public today and the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) is reminding both retailers and the public of their legal requirements this Guy Fawkes.

Under the Hazardous Substance and New Organisms (HSNO) Act, which is overseen by ERMA New Zealand, fireworks can only be sold between 27 October and 5 November each year.

Retailers must have a Test Certificate confirming that the fireworks meet the requirements of the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001. Fireworks are classed as an explosive and can not be sold to anyone under 14 years of age.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is the enforcement agency for HSNO requirements and will be checking to ensure that retailers comply with the law, those who do not can be fined up to $500,000.

Members of the public also have legal and safety requirements when it comes to fireworks, to protect themselves and others. Some basic rules when handling fireworks are: Choose a safe place to let off your fireworks, check there is plenty of open space Store and carry your fireworks carefully and safely.

Keep them out of reach of children, and away from heat and flames. Store them in a closed box and do not carry them in your pockets Adult supervision should be ensured at all times Always read the instructions on the firework and follow them Light your firework at arms length and stand your fireworks in dirt or sand, or on a firm flat surface Keep clear of fireworks which have been lit, but haven’t gone off Keep animals inside Never throw fireworks Water should be readily available in case of an emergency, as well as access to a phone

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>