Fireworks

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Originally Posted by Gillie

I would suggest that letting off fireworks in a fire danger period is a serious issue and offence.


Perhaps you could let Worksafe know they are self centered and should lighten up?

Victorians risk fines of up to $10,000 if they are caught possessing or using fireworks.

With the New Year fast approaching, WorkSafe is keen to remind everyone that fireworks are illegal as well as dangerous.

So far this year, almost one tonne of illegal fireworks has as been confiscated or handed in to WorkSafe and Victoria Police.

“Fireworks are banned in Victoria for good reason – they can injure or kill,’’ warned WorkSafe’s general manager of health and safety, Lisa Sturzenegger.

“And yet each year, people risk their own safety, that of their children and their neighbours by letting off fireworks,” she said.

“The fines are severe because the injuries they can cause are severe.”

A 34-year-old man from Tarneit died on January 1 after a commercial firework exploded in his face during a New Year’s Eve party. Dozens of Victorians – including children - are injured every year during New Year festivities.

Only licensed pyrotechnicians are allowed to handle fireworks.

Source
- See more at: Fireworks will spoil your party - Worksafe News

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Of course there are dangers associated with fireworks, after all it is a variety of explosive. It needs careful thought, planning and a healthy dose of respect for what you are dealing with.

Back in the UK, every November 5th and NYE we would buy a hundred quid's worth of fireworks (and generally there was a biggie to end on a big note) and invite friends, neighbours and family for a fun night.

It was all done very responsibly, and there was never any damage or injury in over 15 years of doing that. We had to postpone a couple of times when it was too windy or wet.

Let's face it, tobacco kills or hospitalises thousands and thousands of people each year, and that doesn't get banned.

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Originally Posted by FFR

On the other hand, all these prohibitions have brought us better health care, a better education system and better and affordable housing.

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I can't see how banning fireworks gives us a better education system or cheaper housing.:confused:

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Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

I can't see how banning fireworks gives us a better education system or cheaper housing.:confused:

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Hi Dave,

That's the point of my post. We are sacrificing lots of our liberties and rights... and, what do we get in exchange ? which areas in our lives are dramatically improving ? more TV channels ? faster cars ? bigger plasma TVs ?

The problem is, I think, not in the fireworks. The problem is that someone decides to wake up the neighbours at 2 AM for fun. A fireworks ban is not the solution for an anti-social behaviour, it is not going to transform an idiot into a normal person.

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Originally Posted by FFR

Hi Dave,

That's the point of my post. We are sacrificing lots of our liberties and rights... and, what do we get in exchange ? which areas in our lives are dramatically improving ? more TV channels ? faster cars ? bigger plasma TVs ?

The problem is, I think, not in the fireworks. The problem is that someone decides to wake up the neighbours at 2 AM for fun. A fireworks ban is not the solution for an anti-social behaviour, it is not going to transform an idiot into a normal person.

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BTW, I consider that, being the Australian houses tipically surrounded by so much fuel (trees, weeds, even more trees) playing with sparks around is not a wise idea...

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Originally Posted by FFR

I went to Ikea (Canary Islands) shortly after the 9/11 and they had grinded down the sharp edge of all knifes on display, due to "safety".

On the other hand, all these prohibitions have brought us better health care, a better education system and better and affordable housing.

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Well actually, in relation to health care, the almost complete lack of fireworks in NSW has reduced the trauma caused by fireworks incidents, saving the healthcare system thousands if not millions of dollars in the treatment of firework related injury and permanent disibility frequently caused by loss of eyes, hearing, fingers and limbs.

So while it is a loss of a liberty it is also benefit to the community.

Now if we had to pay for our own health care and there was no social security, as in the USA, then you are free to blow your own hands off and pay for the treatment if you choose.

I know which place I would rather live in. And yes as a kid we did have fireworks and one of the kids at the scout group lost an eye when a rocket landed in a box of other fireworks at the same time this kid was getting another one and that was the only reason the lid was off.

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Originally Posted by Chops

I'm a bit over it all really.

We have had kids running around letting off fireworks during the past couple of weeks, very annoying to say the least. Of course they seem to do this at the most inappropriate times,, like two in the morning :mad:. You never get to see it,,, just hear it.
Most dogs seem to hate this, and go off tap like there's no tomorrow. So then of course, the neighbours not only have to put up with the fireworks, they then have to put up with a heap of dogs barking. I lose even more sleep, as I try to calm our dog down,, not much I can do about any of the others though.
Its been a hectic few weeks, sleep wise :(

To top it all off, tonight, somewhere not too far from us, someone must have organised/sanctioned a major fireworks show. They've been going off now for almost a half an hour. Dogs going ballistic yet again :mad:
I cant believe that this has not been advertised (that I know of anyway). Everybody loves to watch them when they're done right. Could have even given me a chance to enlighten the dog as to what its all about.
So once again, we don't get to see it, but the dogs still got to be calmed down,,,, :( At least its early.

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Congratulations!
You are now officially OLD.
:)

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Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Well actually, in relation to health care, the almost complete lack of fireworks in NSW has reduced the trauma caused by fireworks incidents, saving the healthcare system thousands if not millions of dollars in the treatment of firework related injury and permanent disibility frequently caused by loss of eyes, hearing, fingers and limbs.

So while it is a loss of a liberty it is also benefit to the community.

Now if we had to pay for our own health care and there was no social security, as in the USA, then you are free to blow your own hands off and pay for the treatment if you choose.

I know which place I would rather live in. And yes as a kid we did have fireworks and one of the kids at the scout group lost an eye when a rocket landed in a box of other fireworks at the same time this kid was getting another one and that was the only reason the lid was off.

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I see your point and, in fact, I would say that it is how I have find that a great number of Australians think (I'm a visitor here).

However, I think that trying to eliminate risk after risk creating a certain legislation on that regard, creates a society reluctant to assume any degree of exposure to new ventures, "just in case" or, even worse, to accept as legitimate new rules against practices perceived as "unsafe".

For example: it is very easy to argue against DIY maintenance in your landy. Some people die every year on their sheds, and some other might (and this is where the _fear factor_ is introduced) die because of dodgy repairs on brakes and steering. Remember the guy with the yellow 110 in the UK who had an accident where three of his kids died ? The press said things like "that land rover was like a Frankenstein, made of parts taken from other cars".


As a side note, regarding your comparison between here and the USA in relation to health cover, I have to tell you that we 457 people are not covered by Medicare in any way or form. In fact, in NSW the kids of 457 people don't have the right to receive free education.

cheers, Carlos

I can see this thread wandering way off from this point......bring back cracker night. Love John Williamsons song.....

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD0M4ZiD8eE]John Williamson - Welcome To My Campfire Part 6 of 9 - YouTube[/ame]

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Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

Why?
Brilliant add.

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Too many muslims in the country :)

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Originally Posted by Pinelli

Too many muslims in the country :)

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So? They won't need the subtitles.