Gosport Borough Council

INTRODUCTION

Firework displays should be enjoyable occasions. If organisers take the necessary precautions, they should also be safe occasions. The following advice relates to firework events put on by organisations assigned to local authorities for health and safety enforcement, including public houses and other licensed premises. The advice covers those firework displays where the organisers set off the fireworks themselves and have no specialist knowledge. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places responsibilities on organisers of public displays to ensure the safety both of employees and members of the public.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Plan well ahead - ensure the site is suitable, consider desirability of a coordinating team (to share the tasks that might need to be carried out) with one person in overall control

2. Use only appropriate fireworks - It is recommended that only Category 1 - 3 fireworks are used

3. Obtain fireworks from a reputable supplier.

HSE fireworks webpage

4. Ensure that the display site and organisation meet recommended safety criteria. i.e.

Suitable site :
- access
- size
- absence of associated hazards
- layout of spectator/safety/firing/fall-out and bonfire areas
Staff :
- There should be sufficient people with allocated duties such as organising/supervising the bonfire, marshalling the public and delivering first aid. Staff letting off fireworks should be kept to a minimum, instructed regarding all types of fireworks, attend a practice session and be provided with protective clothing.
Bonfires :
- Safe location and distance
- safe construction and size
- no dangerous contents; built at the last minute
- be supervised until extinguished
Firework Storage and Use :
- Fireworks to be kept in their packaging and stored in a secure, cool, dry place away from sources of
- ignition or highly flammable substances.
Post-event :
- Collect empty firework cases (using gloves and tongs)
- 'duds' to be left for 30 minutes and then placed in a container of water

HSE organising firework display webpage

FURTHER HELP

Sources of further advice and help include the County Fire and
Rescue Service and the local Council. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have produced a comprehensive guidance note on bonfire and firework displays and an officer may visit, on request, to give advice on site. The Council also provides an easy to use checklist for display organisers.

CHECKLIST - FIREWORKS

1	Do you (intend to) hold firework displays at your premises?	YES/NO
2	Do you plan well ahead for the display, using a coordinating team under a nominated person in overall control?	YES/NO
3	Do you use only Category 1- 3 fireworks?	YES/NO
4	Do you obtain your fireworks from a reputable supplier?	YES/NO
5	Do you ensure that the display site and organisation meet recommended safety criteria?	YES/NO
6	Do you notify the Fire Brigade and the local Council of your event and seek their advice in the planning stage?	YES/NO

REFERENCES/FURTHER DETAILS

1. Booklet HS(G)124:Giving your own firework display - how to run and fire it safely.

2. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Guidance Note on Bonfire and Firework Displays.
3. Leaflet: On Fireworks Night Do Things Right (Guide to organising a public display) Dept. of Trade and Industry Tel 0171-510-0151
4. Hampshire fire website:

5. HSE Books:
6. Firework safety website:

7. Fire work safety web link page:

For further information please call (023) 9254 5505, 5506 or 5507 during office hours or call at the Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1EB.

Alternatively e-mail ehs@gosport.gov.ukany time