SAFETY INFORMATION & GUIDANCE FOR FIREWORKS

We want you to have a really good time with lots of great memories; these notes should help.

General Information

• Remember that fireworks are explosives; they can be very dangerous if not handled correctly. Dont under estimate the power of today’s fireworks.
• All public use fireworks must conform to the safety standard BS 7114 Part 2, which printed on every firework sold to the public.
• If any of your fireworks are damaged in transit, appear to be modified in some way or dont have the BS kite mark on them dont use them.
• Call us if you are ever in any doubt. 

The Law

• Fireworks can now only be sold by local authority licensed outlets. Do not buy fireworks from unlicensed traders, the backs of vans or from your friends; buying from them only serves to encourage the black market where untested and unsafe fireworks could be sold leading to injury or worse.
• It is an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or attempt to buy or have fireworks.
• Its an offence to supply fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age.
• Firework usage has now been brought into line with other noise legislation, prohibiting the use of fireworks between 23.00 hrs and 07.00 hrs. Some exceptions apply eg 5 November: Midnight to 07.00 hrs and Hogmanay 01.00 hrs to 07.00 hrs.
• Letting off fireworks in a public place is now a specific offence.

Storage

• Store your fireworks in a cool dry place away from any flames, heat or spark generating equipment, animals and children.
• Use the portfires supplied to light all your fireworks; matches are unreliable.
• Always light a firework at arms length, never lean over or towards a firework when lighting it.
• Never return to a firework that goes out or fails to fully fire.
• Its good to be safe. Set the multishot cakes on flat ground with a brick or similar on each side. The tall barrages and Roman candles should be strapped to a fence post or similar to ensure stability, they are very powerful fireworks. Secure them using lots of Gaffa tape, rope or wire to hold them tight; or they could be buried about 1/3 of their depth in soil/sand. They must not be allowed to fall over. 
• Rocket tubes can be fixed in a similar way as the barrages above, using posts firmly hammered into the ground. The rocket stick must be freely moving and not in any way be tight in the tube.
• Always angle your rockets about 5 to 8 degrees away from your audience. Be sure that your rocket sticks have a suitable and safe place to fall.
• Safety distance: 25m is recommended for public use display fireworks however we would recommend 30/40m if that distance is available. Your enjoyment will not in any way be diminished; indeed you actually get a better view at a greater distance.
• Stand upwind if possible; otherwise you might all be covered in fallout, including particles of paper and card debris etc.
• Ensure the safe use of sparklers with children – the vast majority of reported firework injuries are related to burns from sparklers!! Wear gloves, never hold the burnt end, and quench the hot wire in a bucket of water to avoid injury.

Courtesy

• Inform neighbours that you are having a fireworks display. They may need to consider animals, young children, elderly or sick people. Some may even come out to watch.
• Remember to be finished before 11pm at the very latest. 

Common Sense

• Use lots of it and have a really great time.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE FIREWORK INSTRUCTIONS. THESE NOTES ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE A FULLY COMPREHENSIVE SET OF INSTRUCTIONS.