Firework safety with the RoSPA
Fireworks can be great fun for families, not just around November 5 (Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes Night), but also other celebrations such as Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, as long as we are careful in handling them…
The safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a large public display and much more enjoyable as someone else does the hard work! Fewer people are injured than at smaller family or private parties. However if you are having a firework party at home, make the occasion fun and safe for everyone by following the Firework Code, as well as some sparkler and bonfire safety tips.
Adults should be the only ones to set up firework displays, lighting of fireworks and the safely disposing of the fireworks once they are used. Children and young people should be supervised, and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. Please remember that fireworks and alcohol don’t mix as that’s when accidents can and do happen!
Follow these tips for a safer fireworks party:
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
- In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry the UKCA marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol. You may also see the UKNI mark along with the UKCA symbol. Keep your 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.
However you spend Bonfire night, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year please be safe and stick to the Firework Code!
