Fireworks can play a huge part in a spectacular communtiy event, party or special celebration. But however wonderful and entertaining they are, fireworks can be a serious safety risk and should be handled with immense care.
Around autumn time, fireworks and bonfires are often at the centre of events and social gatherings.
Whether your organisation is hosting an occasion, or you are taking children or young people to a celebration, we have provided some key tips to help you keep everyone safe.
Fireworks are highly dangerous explosives, so need to be stored and handle with care.
The government’s fireworks legislation has been put in place to help ensure fireworks are safer to use, less noisy, and only let off during certain periods. It also ensures that the right authorities can deal with misuse and modification of fireworks, tackle how fireworks are sold, imported/exported and restrict their possession.
If you misuse fireworks you can liable for an on the spot fine of £80. If found guilty by authorities you could get a fine of £5,000.
Key aspects of fireworks safety legislation:
- Fireworks should not be sold to anyone under 18
- Always set off fireworks in a designated area
- Set off fireworks before 11:00pm
Further information:
Selling fireworks
The Fireworks Act 2003
Fireworks Safety Regulations 2004
- Always buy your fireworks from a well known reputable retail store
- When buying your fireworks, check that they comply with British Standards. The standard for fireworks to look out for is BS 7114. Avoid any fireworks that do not meet this standard
- Always check the size and packaging of the fireworks carefully to make sure they are suitable for your event
- Identify one person who will solely be responsible for letting the fireworks off. For larger firework events you may want a detonating/firing/safety team
- Inform your neighbours and local residents that you are having a display. Listen and respnd to their concerns
- For large events inform the following local authorities of your plans:
- Torch for reading instructions, lighting the area where you’re letting off the fireworks and collecting the duds after the display – make sure you’ve got spare batteries
- A dry, clean and closable container for keeping unlit fireworks safe
- A bucket of water or sand
- Gloves and protection for your eyes and ears
- Container or bucket filled with soil to stick fireworks in
- Supports for Catherine Wheels and a suitable container for launching rockets
- Something to light the fireworks with
Make sure you have collected all the items you need, and that your audience is assembled a safe distance away from the lighting area. The recommended distance is 25 metres.
Safety when setting off fireworks
A few things to remember when setting the fireworks off
- Only let the fireworks off until 11pm (though on bonfire night, it is possible to continue letting them off later than this time)
- Don’t drink alcohol while setting the fireworks off
- Always light the fireworks at arms length and use the taper provided
- Ensure that you have the correct adult:child ratios in place
- Keep unlit fireworks in a safe storage place
- Ensure pets and animals are kept indoors and are checked at all times
- Don’t put fireworks in your pocket or hold lit fireworks in your hand
- Never throw or modify/enhance the fireworks you are using
- Always follow the instructions that come with the fireworks
Sparkers are popular with children, but it is worth keeping in mind that they are unsuitable for children under five years old. The following guidelines will help you ensure that sparkers are used safely by older children
- Only use one a time
- Always wear gloves when holding sparklers
- Always keep a lit sparkler at arms length
- Never wave a lit sparkler close to anyone
- Remember that a sparkler is still extremely hot once it has gone out
- Once finished with a sparkler put in a bucket of water or sand.