Firework Safety

Fireworks are a traditional part of enjoying celebrations such as Bonfire Night or New Year but they are the cause of many hundreds of serious accidents every year - it should be remembered that they are dangerous explosives. The safest way to enjoy them is to go to a professionally organised event.
The government's Fireworks Safety Campaign provides downloadable guidance leaflets and materials for organisers of firework displays for the public, retailers selling fireworks, schools and the media, including the Firework Safety Code.  Professionally organised displays are regulated and advised by the Health and Safety Executive.

If you are going to have your own private firework dispay, follow the Firework Code:

  • If you buy fireworks, always make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use 'Indoor, Garden or Display'.  Retailers selling fireworks must be registered with Bedfordshire County Council Trading Standards.
  • Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin and use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately 
  • Never put fireworks in your pocket 
  • Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp never use a naked flame 
  • Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter 
  • Stand well back and never return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face 
  • Ensure that all children with fireworks are well supervised 
  • Never throw fireworks 
  • Keep all pets and animals indoors 
  • Take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished 

Remember to be careful with bonfires too. It's much better to manage without one. But if you insist make sure it's well away from your house and any trees, hedges, fences or sheds.  Never use a flammable liquid like petrol or paraffin to get one going. If lighting your bonfire is difficult, use only domestic firelighters to help. Check very carefully that there's no animal (or even a young child) hidden inside the bonfire and keep everyone a safe distance away.

For more advice about firework safety and law, go to the following websites:
Fire Service UK
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA)
National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection (nsca)





 

Linked documents:

* Download Fireworks - use them legally, safely and considerately (application/pdf; 187kb)