Safety Advice

Safety Advice

• Only buy fireworks marked with BS7114.
• Always keep fireworks in a closed box, a metal box is ideal.
• Take them out one at a time, replace the lid immediately.
• Always follow the instructions on each firework carefully, use a torch light if necessary, never use a naked flame.
• Always light the end of a firework fuse at arm’s length, with a suitable safety lighter or taper.
• Stand well back.
• Never return to a firework once lit.
• Never throw or put fireworks in your pockets.
• Light sparklers one at a time in a gloved hand.
• Never give sparklers to a child under 5 years old.
• Never drink alcohol when handling fireworks.
• Keep pets indoors.
  

• Ensure you buy fireworks which are suitable for your garden and that conform to BS7114.
• Do not tamper with any of the fireworks.
• Read the instructions on each firework in daylight.
• Warn neighbours of your display especially the elderly and those with pets.
• Nominate one individual and clearly identify them as the person responsible for the fireworks.
• Ensure your firing area is suitable for the fireworks you intend to use.
  

• A metal box with a suitable lid, for storing the fireworks.
• A torch for checking instructions.
• Buckets of water.
• Protective hat, eye protectors and gloves.
• First aid kit.
• A suitable wooden post for Catherine wheels.
• Proper launch tubes for rockets.
• Firework safety lighters or tapers.
  

• Never smoke when handling or near fireworks.
• Always handle one firework at a time, whilst the others remain in the closed metal box.
• Light the end of a firework fuse at arm’s length, with a suitable safety lighter or taper.
• Stand well back.
• Never return to a lit firework.
• Always keep children under control.
  

• Unsuitable for children under 5.
• Hold the handle at arm’s length before lighting them.
• Light one at a time.
• Wear gloves when sparklers are held.
• Place all spent sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water.
  

• Use gloves or tongs to collect the spent fireworks.
• Only return to unspent fireworks, when it is safe to do so, normal you should wait a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Any fireworks which fail to function, misfire or are partly spent should be soaked in a bucket or container of water until they are saturated, in an area where they cannot be tampered with, before their disposal.
• The next morning check again and remove any firework debris.
  

• Organise them properly.
• Locate them at least 18m (60ft) away from houses, trees, fences and other outbuildings.
• Before lighting check for children and animals near the bonfire.
• Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids.
• Use domestic firelighters.
• Never put fireworks, aerosols, foam-filled furniture, batteries, tins of paint or tyres onto the bonfire.