If you are in any doubt about safety, we would recommend that you always attend a local organised display such as the Himley Bonfire and Fireworks Display.
Firework displays should be enjoyable and spectacular occasions – but they obviously need some responsible planning.
If you are organising a major public event, you will clearly need a robust and detailed approach to planning as well as professional involvement. If you are holding a local firework display, such as those organised by many sports clubs, schools, you still need to plan responsibly, but the same level of detail is not necessary or expected. Below are some tips and guidance to help you.
The information below is if you are intending to organise a display yourself and provides a summary of the safety information available to you. Further information is available in the 'fireworks code' leaflet (available at the bottom of the page) and the HSE publication, giving your own fireworks display.
Organising firework displays
Think about who will operate the display. There is no reason why you should not light a display yourselves provided it only contains fireworks in categories 1, 2 and 3. but remember, category 4 fireworks may only be used by professional firework display operators. In untrained hands they can be lethal.
Consider whether the site is suitable and large enough for your display, including a bonfire if you are having one. Is there space for the fireworks to land well away from spectators? Remember to check in daylight for overhead power lines and other obstructions. What is the direction of the prevailing wind? What would happen if it changed?
Think about what you would do if things go wrong. Make sure there is someone who will be responsible for calling the emergency services
Make sure you obtain the fireworks from a reputable supplier.
If the display is to be provided by a professional firework display operator make sure that you are clear on who does what especially in the event of an emergency
Ensure you have a suitable place to store the fireworks. Your firework supplier or local authority should be able to advise
If you plan on selling alcohol the bar should be well away from the display site
Recheck the site, weather conditions and wind direction
Don't let anyone into the zone where the fireworks will fall – or let anyone other than the display operator or firing team into the firing zone or the safety zone around it
Discourage spectators from bringing drink onto the site
Don't let spectators bring their own fireworks onto the site
If you will also have a bonfire at the display then you should:
Check the structure is sound and does not have small children or animals inside it before lighting it
Not use petrol or paraffin to light the fire
Have only one person responsible for lighting the fire. That person, and any helpers, should wear suitable clothing e.g a substantial outer garment made of wool or other low-flammable material.
Make sure that the person lighting the fire and any helpers know what to do in the event of a burn injury or clothing catching fire
Never attempt to relight fireworks. Keep well clear of fireworks that have failed to go off
Carefully check and clear the site. Dispose of fireworks safely. They should never be burnt in a confined space (e.g a boiler)
For major displays, particularly those involving category 4 ‘professional’ fireworks or very large number of spectators, a more robust approach is obviously needed.
Plan and mark out the areas for spectators, firing fireworks (and a safety zone around it) as well as an area where the fireworks will fall
Think about how people will get into and out of the site. Keep pedestrian and vehicle routes apart if possible. Mark exit routes clearly and ensure they are well lit. Ensure emergency vehicles can get access to the site
Appoint enough stewards/marshals. Make sure they understand what they are to do on the night and what they should do in the event of an emergency
Contact the emergency services and local authority. If your site is near an airport you may need to contact them
Signpost the first aid facilities
Although it's not required by health and safety law, if you are holding a public firework display, it’s a good idea to have public liability insurance. Bear in mind that not all companies are used to dealing with this type of event, and as with any other type of insurance, it’s worth shopping around: look for a company that’s used to insuring firework and other public events – you are likely to get much better deal and avoid unsuitable terms and conditions. If you have difficulty with the standard insurance terms, talk to your insurer and find a way forward; they can be very helpful.
