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Fireworks

Fireworks
Fireworks

Before your display

  • Check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of the garden and conform to British Standards (BS 7114; 1988)
  • Ensure your display area is free from hazards
  • Do not tamper with fireworks
  • Read the instructions in daylight
  • Warn neighbours, especially the elderly and those with animals, about your display
  • One person - clearly identified - should be responsible for fireworks

Ensure you have the following

  • Metal box, with a lid for storage of fireworks
  • Torch for checking instructions
  • Bucket of water
  • Protective hat, eye protection and gloves
  • First aid kit
  • Bucket of soft earth to stick fireworks in
  • A board for flat-bottomed fireworks
  • Suitable supports for catherine wheels
  • Proper launchers for rockets

During the display

  • Light fireworks at arm's length with a taper
  • Stand well back
  • Never go back to a lit firework
  • Keep storage box closed between uses
  • Keep children under control
  • Never put a firework in your pocket - it is stupid and dangerous
  • Throwing a firework is stupid and dangerous and illegal: it's a criminal offence to do so in a street or other public place, with a maximum penalty of a £5000 fine

After the display

  • Use tongs or gloves to collect spent fireworks
  • Next morning, check again and remove firework debris

Bonfires

Do you really need a bonfire?  It is much better to manage without one.  If you must have a bonfire, ensure you follow these points:

  • Organise it properly

  • Should be at least 18 metres (60 feet) away from houses, trees, hedges, fences or sheds

  • Before lighting, check for animals and children

  • Use domestic firelighters

  • Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids

  • Never put used fireworks, aerosols, foam-filled furniture, batteries, tins of paint or tyres on a bonfire

Alcohol and fireworks

People drink alcohol at 90% of fireworks parties in back gardens. In a survey, 84% of respondents said that people setting off fireworks had drunk at least 2-3 units of alcohol. This increases the risk of injury and makes adults less able to supervise children properly during the display.

  • Never drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks or attending a bonfire.
  • Nominate people who are not drinking alcohol to take charge of late-night fireworks displays.
  • Keep guests who are drinking alcohol well away from fireworks and the bonfire.
  • Consider limiting the availability of alcohol until after the fireworks display.
  • Do not carry fireworks in your pocket to street parties or celebrations.
  • The clear message is that alcohol and fireworks don't mix.

Pets

Pets hate bangs and flashes and get very frightened on fireworks night. So keep all your pets indoors and close all the curtains to make things calmer. Remember, it's not just your own fireworks that cause them to be scared, so you may need to have your pets indoors on several nights when other displays are taking place.

Clothing

Loose clothing (like shell suits) can very easily catch alight and should never be worn near any fire. Long dangly scarves can be risky too. If anyone's clothing does catch fire, follow the rule...


STOP don't run     DROP to the ground     ROLLOVER to put out the flame

The Firework Code

Young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance and follow the safety rules for using sparklers. Only adults should deal with firework displays and the lighting of fireworks. They should also take care of the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used.

  1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.
  2. Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
  3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary.
  4. Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
  5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
  6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
  7. Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
  8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
  9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
  10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.