Running a display takes a lot of work, so try to share the load by planning ahead.
- Set up a committee whose members can each take responsibility for a particular task (including one person to be in charge of all safety arrangements)
- Arrange for fire extinguishers, buckets of water, buckets of sand and metal litter bins to be available on the night
- Check that plenty of electric torches will be available on the night, with full batteries
- Publicise the fact that spectators are not allowed to bring their own fireworks (including sparklers)
- Draw up a detailed checklist of tasks and indicate who is to be responsible for each one
- Check whether you are adequately insured to cover any firework-related injuries to those present at the display
Picking the right location:
You should choose a large, clear and well mown area free from obstructions, well away from any buildings, trees and hazards, like overhead cables, with as many safe entrances and exits as possible.
These must be:
- Away from the firing area and dropping zone
- Allow at least 50m x 20m for your firing area
- Beyond this you will need a dropping zone for spent fireworks of 100m x 50m in the downwind direction
- Spectators should be kept back on the opposite side to the dropping zone at least 25m from the firing area
- Proper crowd control is essential and needs good planning:
- Arrange for some stewards
- Take great care at all times
- Plan your display in advance
- Do not allow smoking
- Before lighting any firework, read the instructions on it carefully (by torchlight)
- Make sure that the wind blows away from spectators
- The display should be angled away from spectators
- Never use matches or lighters for lighting fireworks at a display
- A sudden change of wind could cause aerial fireworks to fall dangerously among spectators
- In very windy weather you should consider putting off the display altogether, however disappointing that might be
Bonfires need planning too:
Bonfires need a lot of organising:-
- Don't site it too near your display or firework storage area
- Don't site it anywhere near fences or trees
- Never use flammable liquids like paraffin or petrol to get it going, as this can result in uncontrolled spread of fire or explosion
- Check immediately before lighting that there is no animals or young children hidden inside
- Don't burn dangerous rubbish (eg. aerosols, paint tins or foam filled furniture)
- Remove any rubbish from your bonfire area in advance so nothing can be thrown onto the fire on the night
After the event:-
The bonfire needs to be put out completely before you leave the site. Information is available from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) website or visit the Firework Safety site, see related links below.