Firework Safety

As autumn arrives, you may be tempted to hold
your own bonfire or fireworks display. It’s always
safer to go to an official display, but remember
the following advice if you do hold your own.

Fireworks are fun but pose a danger if mishandled or
misused. Make sure you
• Follow manufacturer instructions carefully and
read them in the day or by torchlight, never a
naked flame
• Never go back to a firework once it has been lit,
and never throw a firework or put it in your pocket
• Light fireworks at arm’s length, using a safety
firework lighter or fuse wick, and stand well back
• Collect fireworks after a display with care. Douse
them with water and dispose of them properly in a
metal container

Sparklers can reach temperatures of 100°C, so stay safe by ensuring you:

• Always wear gloves, preferably leather ones
• Supervise children with sparklers and don’t give one to children under the age of five
• Hold sparklers at an arm’s length, and don’t wave them near other people
• Put used sparklers into a bucket of sand or water

Bonfires are a hazard at any time of the year. Make sure you:

• Build them well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
• Never use flammable liquids to light the fire such as paraffin or petrol, and don’t burn furniture, aerosols or bottles
• Never leave a bonfire unsupervised
– especially around children
• Pour water on embers before leaving

And always remember:

• Have a bucket of water, garden hose
or fire extinguisher ready and on standby
• Never drink alcohol when in charge of a bonfire
or fireworks display.

Fireworks: knowing the law
Unfortunately, people sometimes use this time of year to misuse fireworks. Fireworks
may be beautiful to watch but they can also cause devastating injuries to people and
damage to property if they are used in the wrong way. Never throw them or store them
unsafely, such as in a pocket.

The laws state:
• You can’t buy fireworks if you’re under 18.
• Fireworks cannot be set off between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night, when
the cut off is midnight. On New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, the cut
off is 1am.
• You must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other
public places.
• You should only buy fireworks from registered dealers or licensed shops
• You can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to six months for
selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.

Click here to view