Firework Safety Advice

North East Lincolnshire Council's Environmental Services Department is asking the public not to be complacent when buying or using fireworks.

Whilst in recent years there has been a national drop in firework injuries, fireworks bought from the back of a van or any other illegal outlet may still pose risks to the public.  These fireworks may not comply with safety requirements, may not have been tested and probably will not carry product liability insurance.  As a result, the public could find themselves taking a much higher risk just to buy their fireworks a little more cheaply.

The council's Trading Standards Unit is also encouraging the public to use common sense when handling fireworks.  Most importantly, people are advised always to remember to read the instructions on fireworks, especially those they have not used before.

The Fireworks Act 2003 has strengthened current legislation further, giving the Government the power to react quickly to any problems with fireworks, including noise and anti-social behaviour.

The British Fireworks Association, representing the vast majority of firework companies in the UK, has already withdrawn single tube air bombs, little cheap rockets and noisy whistle-bang rockets which used to create a public nuisance around bonfire night.  Bangers were outlawed as a result of legislation in 1997.

Following this new legislation, the BFA is putting a noise limit on garden fireworks to avoid disturbing neighbours and to lessen the possible distress to animals.

More useful links:

Department of Trade and Industry Home Safety Network's pages on firework safety.

Firework safety pages from the Explosive Industries Group's (part of the CBI)

The UK Fire Service's own firework safety pages.

General fire safety information from the 'Fire Kills' campaign