HSE publishes revised firework display guidance

E130:05 06 October 2005

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published updated guidance on organising public firework displays safely.

The guidance Giving your own firework display: How to run and fire it safely, which was first published in 1995, has been revised to reflect significant changes in the laws governing the supply, possession, transport, storage and use of fireworks that may now have an effect on the way displays are organised.

The 20-page booklet is aimed at organisers - such as sports clubs, parish councils and parent/teacher associations - who intend to launch the fireworks themselves, rather than contract specialist display operators, but have no specialist knowledge. In particular, it contains sensible advice on selecting a site, including how it should be set up, and making available suitable facilities. These include equipment for putting out small fires and an adequate number of stewards.

In addition, the guide offers a list of contacts that organisers should consider liaising with before an event. It also provides information on crowd control, storing fireworks safely prior to the display and tips on building secure bonfires. Finally, the booklet features general information on handling fireworks during set up and firing.

Giving your own firework display: How to run and fire it safely ,HSG124, ISBN 0 7176 6162 8, price £7.95, is available from HSE Books.

Notes to editors

Since 1995 when the guidance was first published, there have been changes and amendments to the various regulations relating to the use of fireworks. These regulations are:

• The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005, which replaced significant portions of the Explosives Act 1875. The new regulations impose duties on the manufacture and storage of explosives, including fireworks, as well as requirements for preventing fire and explosion;
• The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004. They implement European agreements relating to road and rail transport;
• The Firework (Safety) Regulations 1997 and The Firework (Safety)(Amendment) Regulations 2004, which primarily address the supply of fireworks. In particular, they prohibit sale to the general public of a variety of fireworks such as aerial shells, air bombs and Chinese crackers; and
• Firework Regulations 2004 which include provisions relating to the prohibition of the possession of fireworks in public places by those under 18 and limitation on the use of fireworks during night hours.

Further information on these regulations plus guidance on the safe and responsible use and sale of fireworks can be found on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) website at: http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/consumer-issues/product-safety/firework-regulations

HSE and local authorities (usually Trading Standards Officers) enforce firework legislation to protect consumers and the general public. Further information on the safe storage and use of fireworks, which includes links to a risk assessment tool designed to help people organise a display is available from the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks/index.htm

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