| When organising a bonfire party and firework display, it is best to contact a professional body or organiser to ensure that the event is carried out safely.
However, small organisations wishing to operate their own events (eg sports clubs, school parent/teacher associations, parish councils, public houses, etc.) may obtain advice for the non-professional from the Health and Safety Executive publication:
'Giving Your Own Firework Display - how to run and fire it safely' (ISBN 0-7176-6162-8; £7.95)
available from: HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS
Telephone 01787 881165
Fax 01787 313995
This book gives detailed information on appropriate size of the site and precautions to be taken throughout the event, including clearing up afterwards.
The Firework Regulations 2004 imposes a curfew on the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am except on specific days (5th November, New Years Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali) when the curfew times will vary.
The storage of fireworks is controlled by the Manufacture and Storage Explosives Regulations 2005 which permits the storage of a limited quantity of fireworks (5kg) for an unlimited period of time or the storage of an unlimited quantity of fireworks for up to 14 days prior to their use. It is generally accepted that these conditions apply to "private use" (eg for a school or pub bonfire) but not for sale. This also allows local operators to store fireworks prior to them firing a professional display. All other storage of fireworks is subject to Local Authority licensing or registration (contact Trading Sandards for further information; Tel 01472 324770).
Free advice on firework displays is available from the Health and Safety Section of the Commercial Team in Environmental Health (Tel: 01472 324770).
There is also information available in the attached fireworks book (pdf file 63kb) which has been prepared by the British Pyrotechnists' Association and the Explosives Industry Group of the CBI.
Further advice is available in an information pack (pdf file 80kb) from the DTI
In order to read pdf files you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed This is a free download from the internet and can be accessed from our Downloads page
There is also a web-site devoted to the firework industry and safety matters:
www.eig.org.uk/fws/
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