Health and Safety: Don't be the fall guy

There's a nip in the air and the nights are starting to draw in - a sure sign that autumn has arrived, heralding the Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night 'double header'.

But will it be two nights of fun and party frolics or two nights fraught with danger for pubs, clubs and hotels up and down the country?

First let's look at the centuries-old tradition of Hallowe'en, a once-pagan ritual.

But these days, it's a time for a good old knees-up and most hostelries and many hotels hold themed night celebrations.

What fun there is in preparing for the event! There are costumes to make - or hire - while bar and lounge areas are transformed into the haunt of witches, beasties and all things macabre, being decorated with streamers, atmospheric coloured papers and other fanciful items. So far so good.

Now we light the candles and wait for the fun to begin when the party-goers arrive.

But will it be fun? For there is no greater fire risk than lighted candles flickering around highly combustible decorations - it could be a recipe for disaster.

Stay alert​

With this in mind, all staff should be constantly aware of the potential hazards and stay alert to deal with any possible incidents. But these potential risks pale into insignificance when put alongside the threats posed on Bonfire Night.

The fire should be lit on the site's car park or similar open space and the fireworks should be under the control of, and only set off by, someone who is registered and licensed to do so. And on no account allow indoor fireworks to be lit inside the premises.

For you Fire Safety needs, please visit the fire safety pages​ of the Venners website.

Even the apparently harmless sparkler burns at 2,000ºC. On both evenings food will also feature high on the agenda so be sure that hygiene standards are observed to the letter.

So remember, remember, be safe, not sorry.