Firework displays should be enjoyable and spectacular occasions,
but they obviously need some responsible planning. The Health and
Safety Executive (HSE) provides simple and clear advice to help
displays go off both safely:
If you’re holding a local firework display in your community,
you won’t need to plan it in the same level of detail as a major
display. But you still need to plan it responsibly, without cutting
corners over safety.
That means thinking about who will light the display, whether
the site is large enough and free from overhead obstructions, and
what you’d do if something went wrong. It may be common sense, but
accidents often happen if people don’t think enough in advance
about the risks.
HSE firework display safety tips
The HSE has issued five safety tips for the day of a fireworks
display:
- Recheck the site, weather conditions and wind direction.
- Don't let the public into the firing zone or the area where the
fireworks will fall.
- Discourage spectators from bringing alcohol onto the site.
- Don't let spectators bring their own fireworks onto the
site.
- Never attempt to relight fireworks that have failed to go
off.
If you will also have a bonfire at the display then you
should:
- Check the structure is sound and does not have small children
or animals inside it before lighting it.
- Not use petrol or paraffin to light the fire.
- Have only one person responsible for lighting the fire. That
person, and any helpers, should wear suitable clothing, for
example, a substantial outer garment made of wool or other
low-flammable material.
- Make sure that the person lighting the fire and any helpers
know what to do in the event of a burn injury or clothing catching
fire.
Fireworks in Categories 1 - 3 can be used for most organised
displays, but Category 4 fireworks should only be used by
professional firework display operators.
For displays using Category 4 fireworks, areas should be marked
to keep spectators a safe distance back, clear routes should be
provided onto and off the site, and a suitable number of trained
stewards should be on duty at the event.
The HSE also advises organisers to consider obtaining public
liability insurance, although it is not required by law.
Further information on firework safety
More information on firework safety is available on
the HSE website and you can download two guidance booklets by
following the links below: