Please take a few moments to
read the advice on these pages for safe and enjoyable
celebrations.
Fireworks often play a big part in
celebrations. However, it should be remembered that they are
explosives that burn at high temperatures. They need careful
handling and storage. See below for firework safety and the law
relating to their use.
Firework
Safety Checklist
Before your firework display
Preparation is key to enjoying
fireworks safely, so:
don’t buy fireworks from
anywhere you’re not sure about, like a van or a temporary,
unlicensed market stall
only buy fireworks marked BS
7114 or with a CE mark – this shows that the firework meets
British or European safety standards (a reputable shop will
know this)
follow the instructions on each
firework – read them in daylight or by torchlight, never by
a naked flame
make suitable supports and
launchers if you’re setting off Catherine wheels or rockets
Things you will need on the night
It’s easy to get a few household
things together, these are:
a closed metal box to store the
fireworks – take them out one at a time
a bucket of water – to cool
sparklers and put out any small fires
eye protection and gloves
a bucket of earth to stick
fireworks in
Lighting fireworks
Follow these simple guidelines to
stay safe:
only one person should be
responsible for letting off fireworks
don’t drink alcohol if you are
setting off fireworks
light fireworks at arm’s
length, using a taper
make sure everyone stands well
back
never go back to a firework that
has been lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still
explode
Sparklers
Sparklers are fun, but always:
supervise children with
sparklers and never give them to a child under five
light sparklers one at a time
and wear gloves
put used sparklers hot end down
into a bucket of sand or water
Did
You Know...
Sparklers
burn at temperatures between 1000°C and 1600°C and can cause
devastating burns to hands and faces or ignite clothing.
Never
give them to under 5's
Other tips on the night
Finally, follow these other rules
for a safe night:
keep pets indoors – most
animals get very scared by the lights and noise from fireworks
never put fireworks in your
pocket or throw them
never throw spent fireworks on a
bonfire
take care around bonfires –
all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’ - can
catch fire
