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Private fireworks displays
SUMMARY
& SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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INTRODUCTION
The considerations for a private display with no paying customers, just family and friends are very different. In all displays you have a duty to consider the safety of all those involved and of property and of the local community. You should restrict the display to Category 2 pyrotechnics - which are designed for smaller displays. However do remember that even the smaller fireworks have the potential to cause injury, damage and disturbance.
For larger private events - weddings etc you might still like to consider having a professionally organised fireworks display with a qualified team to take the problems of organisation off your "to do" list.
One third of all firework injuries are at these smaller fireworks parties and you owe it to your guests and family to make their safety your hightest priority.
Please read this page in conjunction with the DTI safety advice and read the public displays page on this website, the issues are the same, but the responses are tailored to suit the different environment.
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AUDIENCE
None of your guests should be allowed into the display with their own fireworks
- publicise this in advance, of course if they would like to provide some in advance, you can check them out and add them to your carefully managed display. Make sure they are only Category 2 fireworks and no home made or "modified" efforts.
Have a garden hose connected, together with buckets of water and sand,
and if possible a fire extinguisher. If a bonfire is being made,
ensure that it is well away from the firing site in a separate, roped
off area. In practise most gardens are too small for both a display and a bonfire. |
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DISPLAY LAYOUT
Category 2 fireworks for smaller displays only need 5 metres separation from the audience. Even this can be difficult to arrange in a small garden and you need to be aware of other considerations like trees, wooden garden sheds, fences, furniture not just in your own garden but those of your neighbours too.
You should tell your neighbours that you are planning a display to avoid alarming them. In fact why not invite them to join in. Special consideration should be given to elderly neighbours and to those with young children and pets.
If the display is within 5 metres of somebody else's property then rather than just telling neighbours, you should ask their permission.
The layout of the display should be designed to give the most
pleasing effect whilst allowing sufficient distance between the pieces
to prevent ignition of one from another. The weather conditions must be taken into consideration -
particularly with regard to rockets which can be blown off course. All Fireworks with aerial effects
must be angled away from the audience and property to ensure that the remnants fall where
they can cause neither injury nor damage.
Stage the display; if possible, with the wind blowing away from the audience.
Fire the display quickly to give maximum effect.
At a public display there will be a fence and marshalls to keep spectators 25 metres from the fireworks. At a private display you will be more reliant on the self discipline of the adults and the adults must be charged with keeping the kids under control. The last thing you want is for anyone to get hurt.
Category 2 fireworks give in no way inferior displays. Bigger isn't better. Category 2 fireworks are designed to be safe at a closer distance from the spectator. There is no point in having powerful rockets and mines firing hundreds of feet into the sky, possibly going out of sight behind roofs and trees, causing your guests to crane their necks, disturbing the whole neighbourhood. When the audience is so much closer both sound and visual effects are enhanced. Using Category 3 fireworks in these circumstances is not only dangerous but also a waste of money, your guests aren't going to get the benefit of the full effect. For the price of a single large Category 3 display item you may be able to buy dozens of Category 2 fireworks. |
BONFIRE AREA
Probably unsuited to small private displays. However for those with the space a bonfire can be located anywhere provided that it is:
A) at least 15-20 metres from buildings, roads, railways and public rights of way
B) a safe distance from flammable or other dangerous materials eg. petrol, oil or gas
C) a safe distance from overhead electric power lines
D) downwind of spectators
E) well clear of your unused fireworks
Be aware of the safety of your guests, children in particular.
Be careful what is placed on the bonfire. Many modern materials can give of toxic, carcinogenic and even lethal fumes. Only burn wood and paper. Wood-like materials such as chipboard contain a mixture of wood (chippings, laminate, sawdust) and plactic based adhesive/resin. This is not suitable bonfire material.
If you are burning a Guy Fawkes effigy don't be tempted to use polystyrene packaging material for the stuffing. Newspaper is traditional and best!
Don't let kids play in and on the bonfire before it is lit. They can get crushed or stabbed by nails and sticks.
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FIRING
THE DISPLAY
Put Safety
first. Do not fire in very high winds. Stop firing if your guests interfere. Limit the number of operators, keeping one person
responsible for the overall firing.
Ensure that the instructions on each firework are clearly understood before
firing. Make sure no one carries fireworks or portfires in their pockets.
Carry a powerful electric torch. It is
advisable to set up as much of the display as possible (weather permitting)
in daylight, but once set up ensure it is not left unattended. Protection
against rain can be achieved by covering items with polythene bags or
sheets, but these must be removed before firing.
OPERATORS
One responsible person should be in complete control of the
display, at least 18 years old, able bodied and wearing
non-flammable clothes. (Nylon anoraks are unsuitable, cotton or wool is
best).
Safety Goggles and protective gloves are essential.
AFTER
THE DISPLAY
It is the responsibility of the hosts to ensure that the
site is searched for any fireworks, which may not have gone off, dowse
them with water then immerse them with water. All debris should be cleared
after the display and the site again examined in daylight next morning
and thoroughly cleared.
INSURANCE
Ensure that
you have adequate insurance cover for the proposed event. Small private displays may be covered by household or firework supplier's insurance. It is a good idea to check beforehand.
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