Health & Safety Update (October 2009)

Giving your own firework display

The HSE have published updated guidance for organisations who intend to conduct their own firework displays and bonfires. It can be downloaded at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg124.htm. It is aimed at people running firework displays that set off the fireworks themselves but have no specialist knowledge.

This new edition takes account of the significant changes in the law over the last ten years. These relate to the supply, possession, transport, keeping and use of fireworks which may have an effect on the way you organise and fire your display. These include - The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005, The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004, The Firework Regulations 2004 and The Firework (Safety)(Amendment) Regulations 2004.

Contents include:

• Organisation
• Defining the main features of the display
• Selecting a site for the display
• Who to contact
• Provision of site facilities
• Looking after the fireworks before the display;
• Crowd safety
• What will you do if something goes wrong?
• Bonfires
• Setting up the fireworks
• Firing the display
• Clearing up after the display
• Legal requirements

Examples of the type of display envisaged are those put on by organisations like sports clubs and school parent/teacher associations, by parish councils and by public houses typically attracting some 100 customers/spectators. Common or garden displays for family, friends or neighbours are generally covered by box instructions. It does not cover displays using Category 4 fireworks.