Planning and managing a firework display

Crowd control

• Provide suitable numbers of trained stewards. Consider employing a professional private contractor for large events.
• Provide stewards with fluorescent clothing, torches and a means of communication. If they are stationed near to the firing or drop zone areas, hard hats and ear defenders should be worn.
• Plan and sign post how visitors, emergency services and contractors will access and leave the site making sure there is separate access for vehicles and pedestrians.
• Sign post the public to correct access routes and spectator areas.
• Prevent overcrowding and ensure spectators are adequately segregated from hazard zones
  

Display control

• Check the weather in advance. If the wind changes direction or increases substantially, consider cancelling the display
• Stop spectators using their own fireworks
• Position car parks well away from the firework drop zone
• Clear or cut back potentially hazardous leaves and vegetation
• Employ a fully qualified and competent person or professional contractor to fire the fireworks
• Station fire spotters near the drop zone
• Decide how best to position attractions and check the competence of the operators:
  - references from previous events
  - risk assessments
  - health and safety policy
  - health and safety arrangements (safe systems of work, training records etc.)
  - public liability insurance
  - professional qualifications
  - previous health and safety convictions
  - how prepared are they to work with you?

Obtain a risk assessment from the firer or contractor to include the firing arc and drop zone, and check the fireworks comply with British Standards and the storage of fireworks is adequate
Ensure the site is divided into four separate areas with minimum distances between each; the spectator area, the safety area (of at least twenty-five metres and positioned between the spectators and the firing area), the firing area, and furthest from the spectators, the drop zone (where fireworks fall to the ground).

Event management

• Set out rules on alcohol
• Establish a procedure for the close down of the event
• Employ security measures and staff for cash collection and storage
• Make sure sanitary facilities are sufficient
• Identify the types of waste the event will produce and plan how best to collect and dispose of the waste and recyclable materials. Don’t forget about raising awareness about waste management and make sure there are plenty of bins.

Regulations

• Under the Licensing Act 2003, outdoor events must be licensed for regulated entertainment (such as live music or dance performances and the playing of recorded music)
• A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) must be submitted in duplicate to the licensing authority at least ten working-days before the start date of an event.
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force in October 2006 and affects tents, marquees and outdoor events. Organisers must also be familiar with the Disability Discrimination Act.
• Make sure caterers are registered with their local Environmental Health department, have a valid food hygiene certificate, and adequate food waste disposal arrangements.

Insurance

At an early stage of the planning you should have discussed with your underwriter if any elements aren’t covered by general Public Liability cover. You should also ensure other groups, such as caterers, exhibitors or stallholders, have adequate cover of their own.

For more health and safety information, go to: http://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks/