Safety first, explosions second

  • Published
  • By Airman John Linzmeier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Fireworks, barbeques and alcohol consumption are, for many, part of a wholesome Fourth of July experience but they require careful adult supervision.

These activities may be safe when done with the correct precautions, but can violently damage the lives of participants - often times beloved friends and family members.

"Fireworks are inherently dangerous," said George Maher, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Safety, weapons safety manager. "The majority will produce an explosion or involve projectiles."

More than 10,000 people are injured annually by fireworks mishaps, 70 percent of which occur around the Fourth of July. Of these, roughly 50 percent of those injured are under the age of 15, said Maher.

Through June 27 to July 5 2013, in Wichita, Kan., fireworks may be lawfully sold and discharged within the same time period, between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight.

Fireworks of any size are not permitted on McConnell Air Force Base.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 41 percent of firework injuries occur to hands and fingers while another 19 percent of damage is inflicted upon the head, ears and face.

"Jobs in the Air Force require both eyes, both hands and good hearing," said Tech. Sgt. Wayne Herold, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Safety, ground safety technician. "A lot of that can be damaged by poor judgment. I have seen too many careers end from complacency, people not paying attention and not drinking responsibly."

"We all are familiar with the phrase 'Hold my beer, watch this,' and that's usually where injuries occur," he added.

While many dangers, obvious and discrete, may be avoided with the proper use of fireworks, other potential hazards associated with a holiday barbeque may be overlooked, such as the barbeque itself.

For instance, it is recommended that grills be inspected before and after use.

"With a gas grill you need to make sure the hose is connected securely, there are no leaks and that it's always ignited with the lid up," said Herold. "Starting it with the lid down can be explosive. Standing over the barbeque when you're lighting it is a good way to lose your eyebrows."

The National Fire Protection Association indicates that having too much grease built up from previous cooking can cause a bigger fire than intended. Maintaining a clean grill and having a fire extinguisher nearby can make the cooking experience much safer.

The NFPA also states that only charcoal-specific starter fluid is fit for barbecuing.

With charcoal grills, people sometimes forget to douse their coals when they are done cooking. It's important to soak coals a second time to make sure flames won't start up again. In dry grass, coals that appear completely out can easily start a fire, said Herold.

Whether it's a high risk activity like handling explosive materials such as fireworks or flipping burgers for friends and family, every Airman has the capability and responsibility to reduce dangers during Fourth of July celebration by using their situational awareness,

The McConnell AFB Safety Office offers the following firework safety tips:

· Know the Local Laws
· Purchase only from licensed vendors
· Do not alter fireworks in any way
· Always read and follow label directions
· Use only outdoors
· Always have water readily available (i.e., a garden hose and a bucket)
· Never experiment or make your own fireworks
· Light only one firework at a time
· Never give fireworks to small children
· Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
· Never throw or point fireworks at other people
· Never carry fireworks in your pocket
· Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
· The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework
· Stay away from illegal explosives (i.e., M-80, M-100, M-250 and M-1000)
· Do not mix fireworks and alcohol

For more information, contact McConnell AFB's Safety Office at (316) 759-3216.