Always follow the code of fireworks, adhere to these basic laws, and be protected on the night of the bonfire!
- Buy only fireworks marked BS 7114 or CE Marked (EN 15947)
- Don’t drink alcohol if you are the designated fireworks lighter
- Keep your fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions for each individual firework.
- You should light fireworks at an arm’s length by using the taper provided.
- Stand well back
- Never get close to the fireworks that have been lit but have not gone off as they could still go off or worse explode.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket and never throw fireworks.
- Always supervise kids around the fireworks
- Wear non-flammable gloves when using sparklers
- Do not give sparklers to a child if they are under the age of five
- Keep pets inside
- Don’t set off the loud fireworks late at night and never after 11:00 p.m. (except for some occasions)
THE LAW
If you misuse fireworks, you may have to pay a fine of £80 on the spot. If you’re found guilty in a court of law, you could get a fine of up to £5k.
It’s an offence to:
- Buy adult fireworks if you’re under the age of 18
- Start fireworks in the street or in other public places.
- Begin fireworks between 11 a.m. and 7 a.m.
- However, you can have fireworks before midnight on bonfire night and until 1 a.m. on Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year or Diwali.
- When you’re using fireworks, you’ll need to be mindful of your neighbours to make sure you don’t cause a disturbance.
BE SAFE, NOT SORRY
Having fireworks at home can be a lot of fun, as long as they are used safely. Follow our easy steps to make sure that your show is safe and enjoyable.
Fireworks are safe if you use them correctly. If you’re putting on a display at home, you should take a few simple steps to make sure everyone has a good time without getting hurt.
We want children to enjoy your firework displays, but they need to know that they can be harmful if they’re not used properly. Every year, more than half of all firework injuries are suffered by children. The Child Accident Prevention Trust has more guidance on keeping children safe.
SPARKLER SAFELY
Sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oils. Sparklers are not toys and should not be given to a child under the age of five.
WHERE TO BUY
Don’t cut corners to save a few pounds. Only purchase fireworks from a trustworthy online store (like ours) to make sure they comply with British regulations. This means that they are supposed to have BS 7114 written on the package.
Sometimes stores open for a short time before Bonfire Night, but these may not be the best places to buy fireworks. Staff in these stores may not be very knowledgeable about the safe use of fireworks, and their fireworks may not meet British standards.
No matter what you do, don’t buy fireworks from anywhere you’re not sure about, like the back of a van or a temporary, market stall.
WHAT TO BUY
There are a number of different categories of fireworks. Members of the public may purchase and set off most of the fireworks that fall under Category 1 to 3. These are fireworks that include those you can use indoors, in your garden or at a display. Always read the package carefully to make sure that the fireworks you ‘re buying are appropriate for the location where you’re going to set them off.
PROFESSIONAL FIREWORKS
Some fireworks can only be purchased and used by fireworks professionals. These include air bombs, aerial missiles, aerial maroons, mortar shells and grenade shells; all bangers; mini rockets; erratic-flight fireworks; certain Category 2 and 3 fireworks that surpass those size limits; and all Category 4 fireworks.
SETTING THEM OFF
Only one person is to be in charge of the fireworks. If that’s you, make sure you take all the necessary precautions. Learn the guidelines and don’t drink any alcohol until they’ve all been discharged. Prepare in advance, and in the daylight. On the night, you ‘re going to need:
- A Light
- A bucket or two buckets of water
- Eye and hand protection
- A bucket of soft earth to set fireworks in
- Suitable supports for your Catherine wheels or rockets.
FIREWORK DISPLAYS
If you are planning a firework show for the general public, read our details on how to arrange a secure and effective firework display.
PROTECT YOUR ANIMALS
You should take reasonable steps to protect your pets during the time of year when the fireworks are likely to begin.
Take a look at our selection of high quality fireworks and sparklers in our online store by clicking here.
