Firework Safety
It is illegal to sell adult fireworks to anyone under 18 or for anyone under 18 to possess adult fireworks in a public place.
If you are over 18, it is perfectly legal to buy and use fireworks at any time of the year but please note that it is an offence to let fireworks off during night hours (11pm to 7am), except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year (all 1am).
Firework Code
Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used. Children and young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. Follow these top 10 tips for a safer fireworks party:
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
- Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
- Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
- Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
Bonfire safety
- One person should be responsible for the bonfire and children should be supervised.
- Choose a site away from wooden fences, sheds and where children will be playing.
- Never pour petrol, paraffin or meths on to a fire – it’s safer to use fire lighters to prevent flare-ups.
- Keep a bucket of water handy in case of an accident.
- Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair.
- After the party, pour water on the fire, rather than leaving it to burn out.
Sparkler safety
Sparklers are often viewed as being harmless but they burn at fierce temperatures, equivalent to a welding torch. Follow these top tips for sparkler safety:
- It is recommended that sparklers are not given to under-5s.
- Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves.
- Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit.
- Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people.
- Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler.
- When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.
Young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance and follow the safety rules for using sparklers. Only adults should deal with firework displays and the lighting of fireworks. They should also take care of the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used.