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Fireworks Safety

The DTI Firework Safety page gives detailed guidance.

Do I need a licence to store fireworks?

General Guidance Health and Safety Executive Guidance
  • Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
  • Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box.
  • Follow the instructions on each firework.
  • Light them at arm's length, using a taper.
  • Stand well back.
  • Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
  • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
  • Always supervise one at a time and wear gloves.
  • Never give sparklers to a child under five.
  • Keep pets indoors.
  • Don't set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11.00 p.m.

    • The Health and Safety Executive publishes guidance on fireworks:

    'Giving your own firework display'

    Type 'fireworks' in the search facility on http://www.hsebooks.co.uk/Books/or contact HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA. Tel: 01787 881165

    Storing and Selling Fireworks Safely

    And if you're a young person take a look at this firework safety code....

    • Never play with fireworks. They are explosives and can hurt you.
    • Only adults should light or hold fireworks.
    • When you are watching fireworks, stand well back.
    • Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
    • Fireworks will frighten your pets, so keep pets safely indoors.
    • If you are given a sparkler ALWAYS wear gloves. HOLD it at arm's length. WHEN your sparkler goes out DON'T TOUCH IT. It could still burn you, so put it hot end down in a bucket of water.
    • NEVER give sparklers to a child under five.
    • Remember, you have to be 18 years old before you are allowed to buy fireworks in the shops.

    Now some advice regarding your family pets....

    ALWAYS - keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.

    ALWAYS - close all windows and doors and block off cat flaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum. Draw the curtains, and if the animals are used to the particular sounds of TV or radio, switch them on but not too loudly in order to block out some of the noise of the fireworks.

    ALWAYS - make sure your pet is wearing some form of easily readable identification (ID) - even in the house. By law, they should have at least a collar and tag, but think about fitting them with a microchip, so that if they do run away they have a better chance of being returned to you.

    NEVER - take your dog to a firework display. Even if your dog does not bark or whimper at fireworks it doesn't mean he's happy. Excessive panting and yawning can sometimes indicate that your dog is stressed.

    NEVER - tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, i.e. outside a shop whilst you pop inside, or leave them in the garden or in your car.

    NEVER - walk your dog while fireworks are going off. Make sure your dog is walked earlier in the day before the fireworks start.

    NEVER - shout at your pet if it is frightened, as you will only make it more stressed.