RoSPA -Good morning, RoSPA, can I help you?
Mktg - Hi, I'm looking to hold my own firework display and want to get some advice.
RoSPA - Let me just transfer you to someone who can help.
Mktg - Thanks (holds).
RoSPA - Hello.
Mktg - Hi, I'm just looking for some advice on fireworks.
RoSPA - OK, have you looked at the website?
Mktg - I haven't, no.
RoSPA - There is some general advice on the RoSPA website on firework safety. What did you want to find out?
Mktg -Wll, I wasn't sure whether it was still legal to have your own displays, and I also need some general safety tips as I have small children.
RoSPA - Are you going to have it in your own garden?
Mktg - Yes.
RoSPA - Yes, you can do that. If you go to RoSPA.com...
Mktg -I'm afraid I don't have internet access today, and I'm looking to buy what I need later.
RoSPA - OK, just hang on a second. I'll access the site and talk you through it.
Mktg - Thanks (holds).
RoSPA -How old are your kids?
Mktg -Four and five.
RoSPA - In that case, one of the really big things to think about is sparklers. They burn at 2000 degrees, so its like putting a skewer in the barbeque for 20 minutes and then placing it in your child's hands. They will probably be too young to use them on their own.
Mktg - OK, I might avoid sparklers, then. In terms of fireworks, my garden isn't all that big...
RoSPA - OK, well you will need to make sure everyone stays at a safe distance. You will need a spark-proof box and a good torch, ideally a head torch so that your hands are free. You can get them fairly cheaply now. Make sure you read the instructions first, and light the fireworks at a safe distance with a taper. Don't use matches.
Mktg - Right, OK.
RoSPA - If a firework doesn't light, don't go back to it. Make sure rockets are in the right tubes and set away from spectators. If you do choose to have sparklers, use a decent pair of gloves.
Mktg - OK. The law hasn't changed, then? I know there was some talk about a ban...
RoSPA - It hasn't, no, but you need to take a lot of care. If you are tight for space, light them outside and let people watch them from inside the house.
Mktg - That's great, thanks. And I can find all this information on the website,?
RoSPA - Yes, if you go to the website and search for firework safety, it is all there.
Mktg - Great, thanks for your help.
RoSPA - Thanks, bye now.
Verdict - The second call handler was well-informed, and although it was clear that he was running through the relevant tips from the website, he was able to talk about them freely. His first question about the age of my children allowed him to tailor his advice and warn me about potential risks of sparklers. Without even checking the website, his advice made me feel able to purchase and handle fireworks safely.
Score 8/10
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