Safety Information and Guidance for DIY Firework Displays

Thank you for buying your fireworks from 21cc Fireworks We want you to have a really good time with lots of great memories; these notes should help!

General Information

• Fireworks are good fun, bringing an additional focus to an event. Guests are more likely to remember the fireworks rather than how well the chicken was cooked !!
• Remember that fireworks are explosives; they can be very dangerous if not handled correctly. Dont under estimate the power of today’s fireworks.
• All public use fireworks must conform to the safety standard BS 7114 Part 2, which printed on every firework sold to the public.
• If any of your fireworks are damaged in transit, appear to be modified in some way or dont have the BS kite mark on them dont use them.
• Call 21cc Fireworks for help and information 01382 350 586.

The Law

• Fireworks can now only be sold throughout the year by local authority licensed outlets. Do not buy fireworks from unlicensed traders; buying from them only serves to encourage the black market where untested and unsafe fireworks could be sold leading to injury or worse.
• It is an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or attempt to buy or have fireworks.
• Its an offence to supply fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age.
• Firework usage has now been brought into line with other noise legislation, prohibiting the use of fireworks between 23.00 hrs and 07.00 hrs. Some exceptions apply eg 5 November: Midnight to 07.00 hrs and Hogmanay 01.00 hrs to 07.00 hrs.
• Letting off fireworks in a public place is now a specific offence.
• For more information contact 21cc Fireworks.

Storage

• Store your fireworks in a cool dry place away from any flames, heat or spark generating equipment, animals and children.
• Use the portfires supplied to light all your fireworks; matches are unreliable.
• Always light a firework at arms length, NEVER lean over or towards a firework when lighting it.
• NEVER return to a firework that goes out or fails to fully fire.
• Its good to be safe. Set the multishot cakes on flat ground with a brick or similar on each side. The tall barrages and Roman candles should be strapped to a fence post or similar to ensure stability, they are very powerful fireworks. Secure them using lots of Gaffa tape, rope or wire to hold them tight; or they could be buried about 1/3 of their depth in soil/sand. THEY MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO FALL OVER!!!
• Rocket tubes can be fixed in a similar way as the barrages above, using posts firmly hammered into the ground. The rocket stick must be freely moving and not in any way be tight in the tube.
• Always angle your rockets about 5 to 8 degrees away from your audience.Be sure that your rocket sticks have a suitable and safe place to fall.
• Safety distance: 25m is recommended for public use display fireworks however we would recommend 30/40m if that distance is available. Your enjoyment will not in any way be diminished; indeed you actually get a better view at a greater distance.
• Stand UPWIND if possible; otherwise you might all be covered in fallout, including particles of paper and card debris etc.
• Ensure the safe use of sparklers with children – the vast majority of reported firework injuries are related to burns from sparklers!! Wear gloves, never hold the burnt end, and quench the hot wire in a bucket of water to avoid injury.

Courtesy

• Inform neighbours re - animals, young children, elderly or sick people. Some may even come out to watch!!
• You must be finished by 23.00 hrs - thats the law now except 5 Nov, be finished by midnight.

Common Sense

• Use lots of it and have a really great time!!!

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE FIREWORK INSTRUCTIONS. THESE NOTES ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE A FULLY COMPREHENSIVE SET OF INSTRUCTIONS.

21cc Fireworks DO NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPSONSBILITY FOR HOW YOU SET UP AND USE YOUR FIREWORKS.