Safety for Retail Fireworks

Responsibilities for fireworks

It is courteous to warn neighbours in advance of the display especially if there are any young children, elderly people, pets, or animals in the vicinity. Make sure the firing site is clear of any overhanging trees or similar. Anybody setting off the fireworks must be over the age of 18 and should familiarise themselves with the firework and where the fuses are located. Make sure the instructions and required minimum safety distances on the label are followed.

Whether it be a wedding, party, celebration, or bonfire night it is of paramount importance that you follow any instructions on the Firework.

When unpacking your fireworks take care if your items is enclosed in a pyro mesh cage. We advise you wear thick gloves and use snips or strong scissors to remove the metal straps and the cage. Please dispose of the straps and casing responsibly and safely.

Always read the instructions on each firework well before firing and make sure the spectators are at least at the minimum safety distance stated. Avoid overhead obstructions such as trees and power/ telephone cables etc. On the night it is advisable to wear safety equipment (gloves, head, ear and eye protection) and avoid loose, unbuttoned, or flammable clothing.

Always follow the instructions on the label.

Keep the fireworks away from naked flames and flammable material. Never smoke when handling or lighting fireworks.

Always light fireworks at arm’s length and under no circumstances lean over a firework.

All fireworks on sale to the public must comply to the CE European Standard EN15947 or equivalent UKCA standard.

Legal firing times for fireworks

It is illegal to let fireworks off between 11pm at night and 7am in the morning with the exceptions of New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year which is 1am and Bonfire Night (November 5th) which is midnight.

Ground Barrages

Follow the directions as instructed on the firework warning label including orientation of the firework. Please be aware of the required safety distances for firers and spectators.

Place the firework on flat, firm ground and secure to a stake or post which has been inserted into the ground (crowd side of the cake/barrage) with strong tape or cable ties. Ensure the firework cannot fall over.

Locate 1st fuse, signified by the words FUSE or FIRST FUSE UNDER THIS COVER or by the number 1. Please note some fireworks now contain 2 fuses.

Remove the orange fuse cover and if required pull fuse through clear plastic on top of the cake for easier access.

2ND/RESERVE FUSE INSTRUCTIONS Some fireworks have 2 fuses. In the event of the first fuse failing, observe the instructions printed on the label. DO NOT LIGHT BOTH FUSES TOGETHER! DO NOT return to the firework immediately but leave the firework for at least 15 minutes in case of delayed ignition. Then locate reserve/2nd fuse signified by the words RESERVE FUSE UNDER THIS COVER or by the number 2. Remove the orange fuse cover and if required pull fuse through clear plastic on top of the cake for easier access.

Ensuring no part of your body is over the firework, standing sideways, at arm’s length light the outer most end of the fuse and retire immediately to the stated distance on the firework label.

Compound Fireworks

Follow the directions as instructed on the fireworks warning label including the required orientation of the item. Please be aware of the required safety distances for firers and spectators.

A compound firework is a larger cake or barrage firework made from linking together multiple smaller cake or barrages at the manufacturing stage. PLEASE BE AWARE that due to the linking process there may be a delay between each firework section. Follow the instructions on the fireworks.

Rockets

Follow the directions as instructed on the fireworks warning label. Please be aware of the required safety distances for firers and spectators.

Insert launch tube into the ground or attach securely to a stake and angle slightly away from spectators. Ensure tube is secure and cannot fall over.

Insert rocket stick into launch tube and make sure it is free to rise.

Remove orange fuse cap. Ensuring no part of your body is over the firework. Standing sideways, at arm’s length light outer most end of the fuse and retire immediately to the stated distance on the firework label.

Candles / Fountains / Mines

Follow the directions as instructed on the fireworks warning label. Please be aware of the required safety distances for firers and spectators.

Place firework on flat ground and secure to a stake or post which has been inserted into the ground (crowd side of the cake/barrage) with strong tape or cable ties.

Locate fuse, signified by the words FUSE or FIRST FUSE UNDER THIS COVER or by the number 1.

Remove the orange fuse cover and if required pull fuse through plastic.

Ensuring no part of your body is over the firework. Standing sideways, at arm’s length light outer most end of the fuse and retire immediately to the stated distance on the firework label.

Catherine Wheels

Follow the directions as instructed on the fireworks warning label. Please be aware of the required safety distances for firers and spectators.

Attach securely to an upright post (by means of the nail supplied) through the hole in the centre of the wheel.

Make sure the wheel is free to spin. Remove orange fuse cover. Standing sideways, at arm’s length light outer most end of the fuse and retire immediately to the stated distance on the firework label.

Sparklers

Sparklers are recommended for use by children 5 years old and above and should be supervised by a person over 18 years old.

Ensure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves and hold the sparklers at arm’s length while being lit and only light them one at a time. Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people.

Once the sparkler has finished place it in a bucket of water. A sparkler remains extremely hot for an extended period.

IF THE FIREWORK FAILS TO IGNITE

In the unlikely event that your firework with a single fuse fails to ignite, do not go back to it, but leave it at least 15 minutes. (We recommend 60 minutes) then place the firework in a bucket of water to soak for 24 hours.

2ND/RESERVE FUSE INSTRUCTIONS Some fireworks have 2 fuses. In the event the first fuse fails, observe the instructions printed on the label. DO NOT LIGHT BOTH FUSES TOGETHER! DO NOT return to the firework immediately but leave the firework for at least 15 minutes in case of delayed ignition. Then locate reserve/2nd fuse signified by the words RESERVE FUSE UNDER THIS COVER or by the number 2.

Remove the orange fuse cover and if required pull fuse through clear plastic on top of the cake for easier access.

Ensuring no part of your body is over the firework, standing sideways, at arm’s length light the outer most end of the fuse and retire immediately to the stated distance on the firework label.

Rain and Fireworks

Be prepared for rain. Plastic bags, bin liners and cling film, can be used on most fireworks to great effect for weather proofing fireworks. Cakes & Barrages will fire through a single layer of plastic. (Note: Do not use on rockets or Catherine wheels).

The most susceptible part of the firework is the fuse, so leave exposing the fusing until approximately 10 minutes before firing.

Should you wish for more safety advice please give us a call on 01403 701991 and we can provide free safety information and tips for having a brilliant and safe display.

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