Safety Guidelines

DTI Guidance

The DTI publishes comprehensive fireworks safety information at www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks. The DTI also provides full details on the sale and use of fireworks, Fireworks Regulations 2004 and the Fireworks Act 2003.

Tips for a Safe and Successful Fireworks Display

You will need:

1. An area suitable to hold a display
   • where the public can be prevented from having access to the fireworks
   • where the spectator viewing area is at least 25 metres from the fireworks
   • where there are no overhanging branches, power lines etc. which may interfere with the flight of rockets or roman candle stars
   • where there is a safe area for rocket sticks to fall

You may need:

1. Help to set up and fire larger displays. If more than one person is involved in firing the display, ensure only one person is in charge and that communication between all parties is clear
2. Provision for crowd control if you are holding a public display
3. To notify people nearby if you are holding a large or public firework display. People to be notified may include:
   • Fire brigade
   • Police
   • Local authority
   • Coast guard (if the display is near the coast)
   • Airport authority (if the display is near an airport flight path approach)
   • Nearby hospitals, old peoples homes, farms, stables, neighbours etc.
4. To arrange first aid cover
5. To arrange security cover before, during and after the fireworks display to prevent the public having access to unexploded fireworks
6. To make alternative arrangements in the event of inclement weather
7. Training, courses are available from a number of sources
8. Further information is available in books and leaflets produced by the DTI and HSE
9. Insurance
10. To carry out risk assessments

Further Contacts

Health & Safety Executive

"Giving Your Own Firework Display" can be bought online or from:
HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA
tel: 01787 881165

DTI

Guidance leaflets for organisers of public fireworks displays are available from:
DTI Consumer Publications, Admail 528, London SW1W 8YT
tel: 0870 1502 500 fax: 0870 1502 333