Firework displays need responsible planning
If you are organising a major public event, you will clearly need a robust and
detailed approach to planning as well as professional involvement.
If you are holding a local firework display, such as those organised by many sports clubs, schools or parish councils, you still need to plan responsibly, but the same level of detail is not necessary or expected. Below are some tips and guidance to help you.
Before the event:
- Think about who will operate the display. There is no reason why you should not light a display yourselves provided it only contains fireworks in categories 1, 2 and 3. but remember, category 4 fireworks may only be used by professional firework display operators. In untrained hands they can be lethal.
- Consider whether the site is suitable and large enough for your display, including a bonfire if you are having one. Is there space for the fireworks to land well away from spectators? Remember to check in daylight for overhead power lines and other obstructions. What is the direction of the prevailing wind? What would happen if it changed?
- Think about what you would do if things go wrong. Make sure there is someone who will be responsible for calling the emergency services
- Make sure you obtain the fireworks from a reputable supplier.
- If the display is to be provided by a professional firework display operator make sure that you are clear on who does what especially in the event of an emergency
- Ensure you have a suitable place to store the fireworks. Your firework supplier or local authority should be able to advise
- If you plan on selling alcohol the bar should be well away from the display site
On the day of the event:
- Recheck the site, weather conditions and wind direction
- Don't let anyone into the zone where the fireworks will fall – or let anyone other than the display operator or firing team into the firing zone or the safety zone around it
- Discourage spectators from bringing drink onto the site
- Don't let spectators bring their own fireworks onto the site
If you will also have a bonfire at the display then you should:
- Check the structure is sound and does not have small children or animals inside it before lighting it
- Not use petrol or paraffin to light the fire
- Have only one person responsible for lighting the fire. That person, and any helpers, should wear suitable clothing eg a substantial outer garment made of wool or other low-flammable material.
- Make sure that the person lighting the fire and any helpers know what to do in the event of a burn injury or clothing catching fire • Never attempt to relight fireworks. Keep well clear of fireworks that have failed to go off
The morning after:
- Carefully check and clear the site. Dispose of fireworks safely. They should never be burnt in a confined space (eg a boiler)
- Additional points to consider if you are organising a major public display
- For major displays, particularly those involving category 4 'professional' fireworks or very large number of spectators, a more robust approach is obviously needed.
- Plan and mark out the areas for spectators, firing fireworks (and a safety zone around it) as well as an area where the fireworks will fall
- Think about how people will get into and out of the site. Keep pedestrian and vehicle routes apart if possible. Mark exit routes clearly and ensure they are well lit. Ensure emergency vehicles can get access to the site
- Appoint enough stewards/marshals. Make sure they understand what they are to do on the night and what they should do in the event of an emergency
- Contact the emergency services and local authority. If your site is near an airport you may need to contact them • Signpost the first aid facilities
Please refer to the following guidance If you are planning to hold a firework display:
Food Hygiene
If you are inviting mobile food vendors to attend your event, you will need to ensure that all food businesses are registered with their local authority, have been inspected and display a valid food hygiene rating. We would suggest that you only allow businesses with a 3 or above to trade at your events. This information is easily available at www.food.gov.uk/ratings
Other issues to consider are as follows:
• Are water supplies provided at the venue? If so what measures have you taken to ensure that this water is potable (i.e. safe drinking water)? And if not where will traders get this from?
• Are you providing facilities for the disposal of waste water and solid waste? If so what? Or if not where would they dispose?
• Are you providing any hand wash facilities? Or do traders bring their own? Those traders handling open foods need to have adequate hand wash facilities on site.For further information and guidance please visit our web pages using this link