Every year across the UK thousands of children and adults enjoy fireworks on lots of different occasions.
The safest way to enjoy them is at an organised firework display put on by your local council. Your local council's are:
If you put on a home display, following some simple tips will make sure everyone has a good time without getting hurt.
1. Only buy fireworks complying with the British Standard (B7114).
Any reputable dealer or retailer will sell fireworks that comply with this standard. If you are offered any others
leave them alone and contact trading standards to let them know who and where you were offered them.
2. Follow the Firework Code
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light all fireworks at arms length
- Stand well back
- Never go back to a lit firework
- Never put fireworks in your pocket
- Never throw fireworks
- Keep Pets indoors
3. Take extra care with children and sparklers!
Over half the injuries every year are to children under the age of 15. The most common injuries are to the hand, wrists and eyes and most of these are caused by sparklers:
- Always supervise children with sparklers
- Teach them to hold the sparkler at arms length, but not near anyone else
- Never give sparklers to children under 5 years of age
- Keep a container of water handy, big enough and deep enough to put a a spent sparkler in. Dump the sparkler in it as soon as it goes out.
For further advice and information visit:
-
BERR Government information on fireworks safety.
-
FireworkSafety website, for valuable advice.
-
Safer Fireworks RoSPA's site to make sure your firework parties are safe and fun
-
H&SE Guide to Safety for Firework Display Organisers
-
Fire Service site - fireworks, follow links to bonfires and barbecues.
