American Society for Surgery of the Hand Offers Tips to Keep Hands Safe on Fourth of July
Although many people incorporate fireworks into celebrations such as weddings, birthday parties and back yard cook-outs, fireworks and Independence Day go hand-in-hand. Each year, thousands experience hand injuries in accidents caused by fireworks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a study that noted that a majority of the injuries from the "consumer" or "backyard"-type fireworks resulted from misuse rather than malfunction.
(PRWEB) June 15, 2007 -- Although many people incorporate fireworks into celebrations such as weddings, birthday parties and back yard cook-outs, fireworks and Independence Day go hand-in-hand. Each year, thousands experience hand injuries in accidents caused by fireworks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a study that noted that a majority of the injuries from the "consumer" or "backyard"-type fireworks resulted from misuse rather than malfunction.
Fireworks of some kind are legal in 44 states, from firecrackers to ground-launched types. The most common backyard fireworks--firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers--cause 57 percent of all fireworks injuries. Sparklers have the reputation as being the "safe" alternative to backyard fireworks. That reputation could not be further from the truth. While legal in most states, sparklers may reach temperatures as hot as 2,000 degrees. All fireworks can become dangerous if used improperly.
"Many families celebrate with backyard fireworks, but it's important to understand the risks involved. More than a third of fireworks-related injuries include burns, lacerations, fractures and traumatic amputation to the fingers, hands or arms," says David M. Lichtman, MD, past president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. "We encourage people to enjoy firework displays put on by their city or other organizations--to leave fireworks to the professionals. But for those who want to use fireworks of their own, we hope we can remind adults to create a fun, safe environment."
For those that will be setting off fireworks on their own, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the National Council of Fireworks Safety offer the following tips:
| | - Follow all warning labels and read precautionary information (if any) included in fireworks package.
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| | - Do not smoke when handling any type of "live" firecracker, rocket, or aerial display. Intoxicated people should also never light fireworks.
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| | - Keep all fireworks away from any flammable liquids, dry grassy areas, or open bonfires.
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| | - Take note of any sudden wind change that could cause sparks or debris to fall on a car, house or spectator.
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| | - Be sure other people--especially children--and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks. Keep everyone away from falling debris as well. The debris will still be hot or on fire.
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| | - Do not use any aluminum or metal soda can or glass bottle to stage or hold fireworks before lighting.
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| | - Do not use any tightly closed container for these lighted devices to add to the exploding effect or to increase noise.
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| | - Never make use of mail-order fireworks kits. These do-it-yourself kits are simply unsafe.
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| | - One person - clearly identified - should be responsible for fireworks.
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| | - When setting off fireworks, always have a bucket of water and a running hose nearby.
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| | - Only ignite one firework at a time.
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| | - Never attempt to relight a "dud." If a firework doesn't ignite, wait 15 minutes and soak the firework in a bucket of water.
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| | - Dispose of spent fireworks by soaking them in water and then placing them in an outdoor trash can
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| | - Should an accident occur, pressure should be applied to control bleeding, and an ambulance should be called immediately.
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For more information about the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and its free "Find a Hand Surgeon" service offered to the general public, please visit: www.handcare.org.
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