Fireworks are explosives and as such they should be treated with respect. Fireworks can however be enjoyed safely by following these guidelines:
- Always follow the instructions on each firework including orientation of fanned fireworks.
- Make sure fireworks are secure either by burying them in soil/sand or secure them with strong tape to wooden stakes inserted into the ground. For cone shaped fountains place bricks or blocks around it to so it won’t fall over.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and away from any potential ignition sources.
- If it’s raining you can keep them dry by putting them in plastic bags. If the grass is wet, place the firework on a piece of dry wood or concrete slab, but be sure to keep the firework secure by using stakes or bricks/blocks.
- Only launch rockets from suitable tubes where the rocket will be free to rise without getting stuck. Don’t fire rockets with damaged or broken sticks.
- Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Follow the safety distances for fireworks. The safety distances provided is the minimum - more is better!
- Light fireworks at arm's length and once lit retire back to the safety distance immediately.
- Never go back to a firework that has been lit - even if it hasn't gone off it could still do so.
- If a firework fails to go off or stops firing, leave it for 30 minutes and then thoroughly soak it in water for at least 24hrs before disposal in the black rubbish bin.
- Never throw fireworks and never put fireworks in your pockets.
- Always supervise children around fireworks and keep pets indoors.
- Wear gloves when handling sparklers. Never give sparklers to children under five. Place used sparklers in a bucket of sand or water.
- If you are having a bonfire, locate it upwind from any fireworks and keep it supervised at all times. Never put fireworks on a bonfire, used or unused.
- Only use fireworks labelled with the European Safety CE marking.
It's also good courtesy to let your neighbours know when you are planning to set off fireworks, especially if they are elderly, have young children, pets or if you are setting off fireworks out of season (outside of Nov 5th or New Year’s Eve).
Fireworks must not be set off between 11pm - 7am except for the below dates which have the following exclusion hours:
- November 5th - 12am - 7am
- New Year’s Eve (December 31st into January 1st) - 1am - 7am
- The first day following Diwali - 1am - 7am
- The first day following Chinese New Year - 1am - 7am
You may set off fireworks on your own private property or someone else's private property so long as you have their permission to do so. You must not let off fireworks in a public place such as a park or at the beach without permission from the local authority (usually the local or county council).
There are four "Categories" of fireworks. We only sell Category 1 (Sparklers) Category 2 (Garden) and Category 3 (Display) fireworks. Currently, Category 2 fireworks have a minimum safety distance of 8 metres while Category 3 fireworks have a minimum safety distance of 25 metres. We recommend enjoying Category 2 fireworks from 16 metres and Category 3 fireworks 50 metres, i.e. twice the minimum safety distance.
Finally, Category 4 fireworks are reserved for professionals only as they are a lot more dangerous to use. You must never buy or use Category 4 fireworks unless you are trained and qualified to do so - it is both illegal and highly dangerous.
- It is illegal to sell adult fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.
- No person under the age of 18 shall possess fireworks in an adult firework in a public place.
- It is illegal to tamper or modify fireworks.
More information please see the following:
https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law
http://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks/industry.htm