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PUBLIC FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
SUMMARY
& SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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INTRODUCTION
The considerations for a public display with paying customers 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. With a public display you are able to use the more powerful Category 3 pyrotechnics - which obviously have greater power to cause injury, damage and disturbance. You are also dealing with larger numbers of people leading to possible crowd control issues and you may be under greater pressure to have the display even if the weather conditions turn badly against you.
Putting on a public display is a serious undertaking and is not for the inexperienced. If you don't have an experienced team you are strongly advised to hire professional pyrotechnicians. The cost, relative to the likely cost of the fireworks, is justifiable and they will be able to use still more powerful Category 4 fireworks, not available to the general public.
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LAYOUT
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 local weather conditions,
as well as individual convenience, must be taken into consideration -
particularly with regard to rockets. All Fireworks with aerial effects
must be angled away from the crowd 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.
On no account should the wind blow from behind the display or smoke will
obscure much of its beauty. It is advisable whenever There is crosswind
to fire the downwind pieces first. Firing should never take place over
the heads of the spectators. Fire the display quickly to give maximum
effect.
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AUDIENCE
No spectators should be allowed into the display with their own fireworks
- publicise this in advance.
Ensure that there are enough exit and entry points for the crowds.
Have a garden hose connected, together with buckets of water and sand,
and if possible a fire extinguisher. For large displays please inform
the police and fire brigade in advance, and ensure that the stewards
know how to operate the fire equipment. If a bonfire is being made,
ensure that it is well away from the firing site in a separate, roped
off area. |
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| MINIMUM
DISTANCE |
| A |
50 mtrs.
(approx) |
D |
25 mtrs.
(approx) |
| B |
50 mtrs.
(approx) |
E |
As
required to prevent overcrowding |
| C |
20 mtrs.
(approx) |
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BONFIRE AREA
This 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
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FIRING
THE DISPLAY
Put Safety
first. Do not fire in very high winds. Stop firing if the audience
encroaches on the site. Limit the number of operators, keeping one person
responsible for the overall firing. Too many assistants can cause confusion.
Ensure that the instructions on each firework are clearly understood before
firing. Make sure no one carries fireworks or portfires in their pockets.
Ensure that every operator is carrying 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
AND STEWARDS
One responsible person should be in complete control of the
display. Assistants should be at least 18 years old, able bodied and wearing
non-flammable clothes. (Nylon anoraks are unsuitable, cotton or wool is
best).
All operators and stewards should wear white armbands and be allocated
specific duties. Safety Goggles and protective gloves are essential.
AFTER
THE DISPLAY
It is the responsibility of the organizers 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. Public displays will not be and there is greater risk of litigation.
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Due to changes
in regulations, Mortars, Chinese Crackers & larger fireworks are not
available for general public use.
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Our
Pyrotechnicians are highly trained and experienced in the firing of
professional firework displays for all occasions. They are qualified
to use category 4 fireworks, which are larger, and then the ordinary
fireworks, which when fired are truly amazing. |
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The display
team has years of experience, firing displays for Stately Homes, Local
Authorities, Television, Corporate events, Wedding Displays, Galas, Private
Functions to Historic Castles & Concerts etc.
If you have
an occasion and venue in mind, we will be delighted to help plan your
specific requirements to make for a truly memorable occasion.
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