Guidelines
and Code of Conduct
for Balloon Releases |
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The Guidelines and Code
of Conduct is designed for anyone who is planning a Balloon
Release. We believe this should be strictly adhered to in the
interest of safeguarding the environment.
Jump to: Our environment & latex balloons
Jump to: Code of Conduct |
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Guide
to Balloon Releases: |
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This information and the Guidelines and Code
of Conduct are provided for people and organisations planning
their own balloon release for fund raising or any other purpose.
We strongly recommend that only a small balloon release should
be attempted without professional assistance. Small being
defined as anything up to 1000 balloons. This guidance is
designed to minimize the risk of any potential danger to
animals, sea creatures and the general environment.
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What
happens when a Balloon is released?: |
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A scientific survey carried out in 1989 revealed
that on release a balloon will float up to a height of approximately
5 miles and then it becomes brittle and shatters into miniscule
pieces falling back to earth at a rate of circa one piece
every 5 square miles. Problems can arise when a balloon is
not inflated properly or fully or is carrying too much weight
and therefore does not reach the height at which shattering
occurs. This situation causes a potential danger to wildlife
and the environment.
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What
can I do to reduce this risk?: |
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The Balloon Industry has produced a Code of
Conduct, with input from leading environmental organisations;
you should follow this advice to the letter.
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Conclusion: |
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Balloon releases are fun, spectacular and
fulfil a variety of promotional and fundraising objectives.
However if best practice is not followed major problems can
occur.
If you require any further clarification or need advice
please contact NABAS, The Balloon Industry’s only
independent association on 01989 762 204.
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Applying
for permission from the civil aviation authority: |
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It is a requirement that if you are releasing
more than 5,000 balloons you must apply in writing for permission
to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at least 28 days in
advance of the release because balloons can interfere with
air traffic.
The CAA also like to be informed of balloon releases up to
5,000.
A form can be obtained by calling either the NABAS office
on 01989 762 204 or the Airspace Utilisation Section of
the CAA on 020 7453 6599
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Additional
Information
Our Environment and Latex Balloons |
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What
are balloons made of?: |
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There are basically two types of balloons,
foil balloons and latex balloons. The foil balloons (often
referred to as mylar), are a bladder made of nylon that is
covered with a layer of aluminium that is 0.0015 of an inch
thick. Latex balloons are made from the sap of rubber trees
- a completely natural substance.
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Are
latex balloons biodegradeable?: |
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Yes. Latex is the product of rubber tree sap,
it breaks down when exposed to the elements of nature.
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How
long does it take for a ballon to biodegrade?: |
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Oxidation is the first step in the breakdown
of a latex balloon and it begins within approximately one
hour of inflation. Oxidation is visible in some types of
balloons as a cloudy appearance. This is most evident when
the balloon is exposed to direct sunlight, heat or normal
outdoor conditions.
Research was carried out in July 1989 with a variety of
balloons under various conditions to accurately gauge the
time needed for the latex to degrade. Results from this
study indicate that the decomposition time for balloons
is about the same rate as an oak leaf (6 months).
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Is
it true that balloons have been found ingested by sea animals?: |
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Some cases have been reported, but balloon
fragments are unlikely to cause harm if accidentally ingested.
This is because latex and the dyes used in latex colouring
are non-toxic. However problems may occur if a partially
inflated balloon is ingested, causing possible blockage of
the alimentary tract.
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Dewhurst's Celebration Balloons are very aware of its responsibilities
to the environment. This Code of Conduct was produced to
formalise the principles for balloon releases, which have
long been the standard for the Industry. It is extremely
important that everyone adheres to this code in the interest
of safeguarding the environment.
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1. Only natural latex rubber balloons
will be used for Releases |
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Latex, being an organic product degrades naturally
in the environment. Balloons made of any material other than
latex and in particular foil balloons should not be used
for Releases.
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2. All components used in balloon releases
must be biodegradable |
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Balloons must be hand tied, plastic valves
should not be used. Any attached labels must be of paper,
preferably recycled.
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3. Only helium gas should be used to
inflate the balloons |
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Helium is an inert lighter-than-air gas. As
the balloon rises, the gas expands until eventually the balloon
bursts producing small fragments, which aid decomposition.
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4. No ribbons or strings must be attached
to the balloons |
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Ribbons and strings represent a potential
problem and must never be used in balloon releases. Labels
should be attached via the hand tied balloon knot.
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5. Balloons must always be launched singly |
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Single balloons disperse easily and quickly.
They must never be tied together in bunches for balloon releases.
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6. Full approval must be obtained from
the relevant authorities |
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Releases exceeding 5000 balloons should not
take place unless they have been cleared in advance with
all relevant air traffic and local authorities. The Authorities
must be notified in writing at least 28 days prior to the
release.
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7. Maximum balloon size |
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Balloons larger than 12“ can not be
released. It is forbidden to use balloons containing any
metallic pigment.
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8. All balloons sold near balloon releases
must be weighted |
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Any balloons sold in the vicinity of a balloon
release must be sold with a weight attached to ensure they
cannot escape. Foil Balloons must never be released. Latex
balloons with a plastic valve and ribbon must also be weighted.
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