Having fireworks at home can be great fun, as long as they are used safely.

Fireworks are safe if you use them properly. If you’re putting on a home display, you should follow some simple steps to make sure that everyone has a good time without getting hurt.

  • Stand several feet away from lit fireworks
  • If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it

  • Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.

  • Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly

  • Most importantly, never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass and point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from bushes, leaves and flammable substances

  • THE FIREWORK CODE

    Always follow the firework code, stick to these simple rules, and be safe this bonfire night.

    • only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 or CE Marked (EN 15947)
    • don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
    • store fireworks in a closed box
    • follow the instructions on each firework
    • light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
    • stand well back
    • never go near a firework that has been lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
    • never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
    • always supervise children around fireworks
    • light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
    • never give sparklers to a child under five
    • keep pets indoors
    • don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11.00pm (except on certain occasions)
    • take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues – all clothes even those labeled ‘low flammability’ can catch fire

THE LAW

If you misuse fireworks you may be liable for an on the spot fine of £80. If found guilty by the courts you could get a fine of up to £5,000.

It is an offence to:

  • buy adult fireworks if you are under 18
  • set off fireworks in the street or other public places
  • set off fireworks between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am

You can let off fireworks until 12.00 pm on bonfire night and until 1.00 am on Christmas, New Years Eve, Chinese New Year or Diwali.

If you are using fireworks you will need to be aware of your neighbours and make sure that you do not cause a nuisance.

Classification and CE Marking

All products offered in this brochure are classified as 1.4g and are CE marked in accordance with bsen15947:2010.