Bonfire Night Safety
Firework displays should be fun spectacular occasion, but obviously it's important to plan and be safe when dealing with highly dangerous explosives.
The HSE has a list of rules to keep to ensure a safe and fun display.
Before the event:
- It's important to think about who will be lighting the fireworks and operating the display. there's no reason why the organiser cant light the fireworks themselves as long as all the fireworks are categories 1, 2 or 3. Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professional firework display operators
- Check the site is suitable for the fireworks, is there plenty of room for the fireworks to fall away from spectators? are there any overhanging power lines?
- What will you do if something goes wrong? make sure somebody is responsible for calling emergency services.
- Make sure your fireworks are from a trusted and reputable supplier
- Make sure you have a suitable place to store the fireworks. your supplier should be able to advise with this
- If you plan on selling alcohol make sure the bar is far away from the display
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
- Don't let anyone other than the display operator or firing team into the firing zone
- Discourage spectators from bringing drink onto the site
- Don't let spectators bring their own fireworks on to the site
- If you will have a bonfire display then you should :
- Check the structure is sound and does not have any small children or animals inside before lighting
- Not use petrol or paraffin to light the fire
- Have only one Person responsible for lighting the fire, and that person and any helpers should be wearing suitable clothing, for example, low-flammable materials
- Make sure that the person lighting the fire and any helpers know how to treat a burn injury
- 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 burned in a confined space (eg a boiler)
For more Bonfire night Tips and Trivia check out www.bonfire-night-safety.co.uk