Safety First – Firework Safety Code
Whenever dealing with fireworks you must always pay attention to the Firework Safety Code:
- Only buy fireworks marked with the ‘CE Standard’.
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box.
- Follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light them at arm’s length, using a taper.
- Stand well back.
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
- Always supervise children around fireworks.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
- Never give sparklers to a child under five.
- Keep pets indoors.
- Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm, Exceptions are; Midnight on Nov 5th and 1.00am on New Years Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explain about the various CAT levels of fireworks
How can I buy Cat 4 fireworks?
How much space does Allstar Fireworks Ltd need?
Who needs to be notified that I am having a Allstar Fireworks Ltd Display?
What insurance cover is required?
How much time does Allstar Fireworks Ltd require to set up a display?
Can Allstar Fireworks Ltd’s displays be affected by the weather?
Explain about the various CAT levels of fireworks
There are four main categories of fireworks.
- Category 1: Indoor Fireworks ( Party Poppers etc).
- Category 2: Garden Fireworks ( The majority of fireworks supplied by newsagents, toy shops).
- Category 3: Display Fireworks ( The largest fireworks on general sale to members of the public. These fireworks must be sited at least 25 metres from spectators, buildings and other hazards).
- Category 4: Partially assembled and specialist devices for professional use only. These items must not be sold to, or used by, the general public.
How can I buy Cat 4 fireworks?
It is an offence to be in possession of Cat 4 Fireworks, unless you are a firework professional.
What is CE Standard?
The CE marking on fireworks came into effect as of 4th July 2010 under the Pyrotechnics Articles Safety Regulations 2010, and this meant that all new fireworks that were to be imported and created for sale in the European market after this date must be marked with the CE standard. However from the 4th July 2010 there was a transitional period where the previously marked BS7114 fireworks still could be sold and used up until 3rd July 2017. This transitional period was to help the old BS7114 marked fireworks to be filtered out of the market over this 7 year period.
After this transitional period, from the 4th July 2017 it is illegal for any retailer, wholesaler and distributor of fireworks to sell any firework marked with the old BS7114 mark as they no longer conform to the Pyrotechnics Articles Safety Regulations.
When can fireworks be fired?
You can hold an Allstar Firework display at any time of the year. We try to consider neighbours and pets etc, when planning a display and in general, displays should be held no later than 10pm. The law states, fireworks can not be fired after 11pm, except on November 5th, where you have to be finished by midnight. This is extended to 1.00am on New Years Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
Where can fireworks be used?
You can use fireworks on privately owned ground providing you have permission to do so, never fire on public roads and footpaths, and make sure there are no electricity pylons, overhead wires, trees, buildings and other obstacles in the way. If you intend to carry out a display on common land you must have approval from your local council and if applicable the land owner.
How much space does Allstar Fireworks Ltd need?
To carry out a display safely we need a reasonably large area which is clear of buildings, trees and any other hazards. We require at least 30 metres distance between spectators and the nearest firework, (we recommend 50 metres minimum and much more if we are using our larger aerial shells ). We ideally need a drop zone to the sides and rear of the firing area where debris and rocket sticks can fall safely.
Who needs to be notified that I am having a Allstar Fireworks Ltd Display?
As a matter of courtesy local residents and livestock owners of the location should be informed.
It is very important to keep the authorities informed of your plans. November 5th is always a busy time for them, so please give them plenty of warning about your plans.
You should also contact:
- The Fire Brigade
- The Police
- First Aid Service
- Local authority
- HM Coastguard – If your display is near the coast
What insurance cover is required?
All fireworks displays perfomed by Allstar Fireworks Ltd are covered by our own £5 million public and products liability insurance. If you are organising a public display you must ensure you have arranged your own public liability cover. Many insurance companies will provide public liability on a ‘per event’ basis. We can help you arrange any extra insurance should you require this.
How much time does Allstar Fireworks Ltd require to set up a display?
In most normal cases, for a private or local authority display we will set up on the day of the event itself – the larger the event, the more time we need. Speak to us about your individual requirements and we will assess the set up time as soon as possible.
Can Allstar Fireworks Ltd’s displays be affected by the weather?
The weather can have a large effect on our displays. We take many precautions to ensure that rain and moisture does not affect us – however it can put a ‘dampener’on the evening – particularly for the audience. Windy conditions can make firing a display extremely hazardous, and, for your and our safety, we will avoid firing a display in strong winds – it just simply is not worth the risk. When you book your display with us we will discuss all of the bad weather options with you.
How old must I be to let off fireworks?
You must be at least 18 years old; it is an offence to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.