Firework Top Ten Safety Code for Adults (extracted from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)

Young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance and follow the safety rules for using sparklers. Only adults should deal with firework displays and the lighting of fireworks. They should also take care of the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used.

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
• Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Sparklers
These are often viewed as being harmless but they do burn at fierce temperatures. Sparklers should not be given to anyone under the age of five. To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is equivalent to the heat from a welding torch.

Safety rules for sparklers

• Never give them to young children under five;
• Always wear gloves with sparklers, preferably leather ones;
• Hold it at arms length while an adult lights it for you;
• Never wave it about near someone else as you could burn them;
• Never hold a baby in your arms when you are holding a sparkler
• When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water straight away and leave it there.

RoSPA Guide to firework safety, Safety Education, Autumn/Winter 1995

Pets
Animals do not like bonfires or fireworks. The flames and noise upsets them. They should always be kept safely indoors. Make sure that they cannot get out through open windows and doors. It is best to keep the curtains closed too and it may be necessary to keep them indoors for several nights around November 5th.

Firework Safety Links

http://www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks/index.htm

Health and Safety

Storing and selling fireworks?

HSE has published guidance for retailers on storing and selling fireworks safely:

• Storing and Selling fireworks Safely [164 kb]

There is also a risk assessment checklist to help when doing your risk assessment:

• Risk Assessment Checklist [34 kb]