Fireworks safety advice
Fireworks
There are about one thousand injuries due to fireworks in Britain in every year (not including injuries due to bonfires). More children are injured than adults. The vast majority of accidents are at private firework events or in the street.
We encourage you to use fireworks safely, with consideration for others and in accordance with the law, so that the festivities can be enjoyed by everyone. We recommend, in the interests of your, and your children's, health and safety that you attend an organised public event rather than setting off your own fireworks.
So why not go to the organised firework spectacular which takes place in Campbell Park every year? Check
What's on in MK for details of such events.
The Law and Fireworks
- It is against the law to possess fireworks in public if you're under 18.
- It is against the law to throw or set off fireworks in the street.
- Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18.
- It is an offence to use fireworks between 11.00pm and 7.00am. Except for the following celebrations:
- 5th November - to 12.00 midnight
- Diwali - to 1.00am
- New Year - to 1.00am on 1st January
- Chinese New Year - to 1.00am on the following day
- This restriction applies to all places, including gardens and private land.
- These requirements arise from the Firework Regulations 2004 and are enforced by the Police.
- There is a penalty of up to £5000 or 6 months in prison.
- On the spot fines can also be issued for breach of the regulations.
- Thames Valley Police has information about fireworks and the law
The Fireworks Code
- Always follow the Fireworks Code.
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box.
- Follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light at arm's length, using a taper.
- Stand well back.
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
- Always supervise children around fireworks.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
- Never give sparklers to a child under five.
- Keep pets indoors.
Fireworks Health & Safety
For health and safety information regarding firework displays refer to:
- HS(G) 123 Working together on firework Displays - a guide to safety for firework organisers and operators. ISBN: 07176 24781 £8.95
- HS(G) 124 Giving your own firework displays: How to run and fire it safely. ISBN 07176 08360 £5.75
- These publications can be purchased from HSE Books: www.hsebooks.com/Books
