Use of protective goggles advised by Tukes

The Finnish Safety and Chemical Agency (Tukes) has advised the public to wear protective goggles when using fireworks.

The recommendation also applies to those who will turn out to see the fireworks spectacle, said Tukes in a press release.

At the end of last year, fireworks caused 12 eye injuries which required medical attention. Five of the injured were spectators.

The number of eye injuries was the second lowest since the current fireworks legislation came into force in January 2010.

“Had the fireworks shooters and spectators used goggles, the most serious injuries would have been avoided completely. Protective goggles are mandatory for those using fireworks and their use is also recommended for the outdoors spectators,” said Mikko Ojala, a senior inspector at Tukes.

Twenty-nine eye injuries were recorded at the turn of New Year in 2015-2016 and 17 in 2014-2015.

Use of Fireworks is permitted from 6:00 pm on New Year’s Eve to 2:00 am on New Year’s Day.