Fireworks displays

The use of fireworks is a potentially dangerous and hazardous activity if it is not carefully planned and managed correctly. For instance, near the beginning of a council-organised fireworks display a spark ignited some of the fireworks; this caused the vast majority to then ignite. A review found that no checks had been carried out on the competency of the contractor who was employed to set up and manage the display. At another event, a woman was struck by a piece of wood from a structure containing fireworks. She suffered a serious injury causing memory loss etc. and ultimately the loss of her job.

Advice for display organisers

To ensure the effective management of firework displays and prevent such incidents, the following control measures are recommended, although the need for some will depend on the scale of activities:

• Establish an event committee with individuals responsible for dedicated tasks, including overall safety.
• Carry out a risk assessment of the proposed event.
• Advise the emergency services in advance. Their level of involvement will depend on the size and type of event.
• Contact the local ambulance service and the first aid providers regarding the provision of first aid facilities.
• Establish an emergency plan.
• When choosing the site, consider:
• access and egress to and from the site;
• crowd segregation;
• the condition of the site;
• the provision of temporary lighting;
• the likely effect of extreme weather;
• the proximity of, and the risk to, any surrounding properties.
• Any local airports should be advised of the intention to hold an event.
• Carry out site safety inspections before and after the event. There should be a formal record of these inspections, signed and dated.
• Provide suitable numbers of trained stewards. It is recommended that a professional private contractor be employed for large events.
• Stewards should be provided with fluorescent clothing, torches and an effective means of communication. If they are stationed near to the firing or drop zone areas, then hard hats and ear defenders should be worn.
• Signs should be displayed to direct members of the public to the correct routes and spectator areas.
• Prohibit spectators from using their own fireworks.
• Designated car parks should be well away from the firework drop zone.
• All potentially hazardous leaves and vegetation should be cleared or cut back prior to the event.
• Station fire spotters near the drop zone.
• At any organised event, the firing should only be undertaken by a fully qualified and competent person, or by a professional contractor.
• Only competent contractors should be used and to assess competencies you should check their:
• references from previous events
• risk assessments;
• Health and Safety Policy;
• health and safety arrangements – method statement, safe systems of work, etc.;
• public liability insurance;
• training records;
• professional qualifications;
• health and safety convictions.
• The risk assessment from the firer or contractor should include the firing arc, drop zone, fire spotters, fireworks compliance with British Standards and adequate storage of the fireworks.
• The site should be divided into four separate areas, with minimum distances between each:
• spectator area;
• safety area (between spectator area and firing area);
• firing area;
• drop zone area.
• If the wind should change direction or increase substantially before the event then consider postponing or cancelling the event.
• Establish a procedure for the close down of the event.
• If cash is to be collected on the night then security and the safety of employees and/or volunteers must be considered.

Useful information

The CAA guide for the Operations of Lasers, Searchlights and Fireworks in UK Airspace (CAP736) requires organisers to ‘notify the CAA…at least 28 days in advance. Download the guide.

Giving your own firework display publication, available free to download from the Health and Safety Executive.

Firework safety and the law.