Firework Safety Information and Guidance

Defining The Main Features Of The Display

One of the first things to be done is to decide on some basic details, for example:

  • What is the expected size of the audience?
  • Is there to be a bonfire? (It is preferable not to light the bonfire before the fireworks are fired as stray sparks may accidentally set off the fireworks.)
  • Which display operator is to be contracted to fire the display?

Selecting a display operator to fire the display

Careful selection of a display operator is important for the safety of people at the display.The following points will assist you in selecting a display operator:

  • Can the operator provide evidence of competence?
  • What training and experience does the operator have? Is there any evidence of formal training?
  • Does the operator have insurance cover?
  • Does the operator agree to observe the safety recommendations?
  • Can the operator provide a list of displays he/she has fired in the past, together with the name of each display organiser?
  • Can the organisers of these earlier displays confirm there were no safety problems involving fireworks?
  • Where does the operator intend to obtain the fireworks? Is the source of supply a reputable company?
  • Has the operator asked to see the proposed site, or asked for details of it, before giving a quotation?
  • Has the operator taken the initiative in discussing responsibilities?
  • Once you have selected a display operator, you and the operator are strongly advised to agree your respective areas of responsibility for health and safety.

Selecting a site for the display

The display site is the whole site used for the display, and is made up of:

  • the spectator area – from which the spectators watch the display;
  • the safety area – a clear area between the spectators and the firing area to ensure that spectators are at a safe distance from the fireworks during the display;
  • the firing area – from which the fireworks are set off;
  • the fall-out area (or dropping zone) – an area kept clear of people, where the debris from spent aerial fireworks lands;
  • and the bonfire area – the area provided for the bonfire (if there is to be one).

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The display site needs to be large enough to ensure all the above areas can cope with:

  • the types of fireworks to be used (this affects the size of the safety area and the fall-out area);
  • a change in the direction or strength of the wind;
  • the expected number of spectators.

Only make the final selection of a site after you (and preferably the display operator) have inspected it in daylight to check for obstructions, e.g. trees, adjoining buildings and overhead power lines. Apart from obstructing the flight of aerial fireworks, overhead power lines pose other potential dangers, for example:

  • scaffolding poles, metal ladders and similar items used in the construction of temporary staging, or long wires such as those sometimes used in firing circuits for electrically fired fireworks, can cause a dangerous discharge of electricity from overhead power lines if they touch, or even come near to them.

This is known as a ‘flashover’;

  • smoke or debris coming from fireworks or a bonfire burning under or near overhead power lines could also cause a flashover;
  • overhead electric power lines near to firing wires for electrically fired fireworks can induce an electric current in the wires, causing the premature firing of the fireworks.

If you are in any doubt about overhead electric power lines, contact the local regional electricity company for advice. If it is impossible to arrange the site so the firing and bonfire areas are well away from obstructions, you may need to look for another site. In some cases the display operator may advise that certain types of fireworks you have requested cannot be fired safely at your chosen display site.





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