Firework Safety
The Site – Distances and Crowd Control
The site should be arranged so that the spectators are on only one side of the firing area, preferably upwind. This makes them easier to control and gives them a better view.
Keep well clear of buildings, sheds, trees and overhead power cables. Clear any undergrowth or long grass if necessary.
Fence off an area approximately 40 to 50 metres square, depending on the size of the display, as the firing area.
Provide a second fence to keep the spectators at least 25 metres away from the nearest firework. N.B. For displays using larger fireworks a minimum of 50 metres is recommended. These items are identified in the catalogue. Double these distances if the wind is blowing towards the audience.
Arrange a fall-out zone for aerial fireworks. This should be clear of all people, vehicles, buildings, stores or anything flammable. Spectators must not be permitted to watch from the rear.
Setting up the site
Allow plenty of time to set out your fireworks so you are not working in the dark and do not leave the site unattended.
Plan your site in advance and set out your fireworks so you can move safely from one item to the next, keeping a safe distance from active fireworks.
Weather Conditions
Rain
All Fantastic Fireworks are waterproofed; however, if conditions are very wet an unnecessarily early set-up should be avoided if possible. In order to give fireworks extra protection against the elements they can be covered in bin liners and plastic bags, but these must be removed prior to firing.
Wind
Fireworks must always be set up down wind from the audience. If the wind is stronger than a slight breeze postponing the event may be considered.
Duration
Don’t try to drag out the display - firework displays always seem longer than they actually are. A maximum of 20 to 30 minutes should be the time limit even for the very biggest display while 10 to 15 minutes of reasonably continuous action should be fine for the smaller event.
Aim to fire mines and rockets at a rate of one every 10 to 20 seconds, barrages and candles every 30 to 40 seconds and allow one minute for wheels and set-pieces. The larger the display the shorter the interval between items.
Firing Order
Plan your site in advance and set out your fireworks so you can move safely from one item to the next keeping a safe distance from active fireworks. Numbering the items clearly helps you to remember the order in the heat of the display.
Continuity is the key to a smooth and successful display. A suggested firing order is supplied with every pre-selected pack. However, if you wish to design the display yourself, use set pieces or ground-based fireworks such as wheels or waterfalls as a natural break between aerial sequences. Start and end the display with a dramatic effect such as a large rocket or mine.
We recommend a Showstopper to immediately precede the final mine(s) or rocket(s). In between, you could begin your sequences with low level items, such as Multishot barrages and work upwards in height with candles, mines and rockets.
Two firers could effect pleasing combinations, but remember that you will get through your fireworks more quickly.
Firing the Display
Always use portfires. These are slow burning firework lighters about 200mm (8”) long. They may be held in a gloved hand – but are preferably attached to a 1m (3ft) cane - and burn for approximately 4 minutes each.
Portfires are supplied with all our fireworks, but for a big show, make sure you have plenty to spare.
NEVER USE MATCHES TO LIGHT FIREWORKS
Check fuse on firework is fully extended and, just before firing, carefully remove any paper or plastic protective cover from the fuse.
Always light the tip of the fuse using a portfire, KEEPING BODY WELL CLEAR OF THE FIREWORK AND YOUR FACE TURNED AWAY.
After the show
Always wait at least 15 minutes before checking your site after firing. If you think a firework has part-fired of failed, leave a further 30 minutes before dousing with water and finally leave to soak in waterovernight. DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES.
Be Safe – Fill Out Our Risk Assessment
If you’re organising a display attended by members of the public, for your community, club or pub, we strongly advise you to fill out our DIY Risk Assessment form.
It’s there to help you comply with Health and Safety requirements for public events. Just fill it out and send it to us, if we think there may be a problem with your firing site, we will let you know. If you are ordering our Space Odyssey pack, one of our display team will undertake a FREE site consultation assessment of your venue.
Download our Risk Assessment Form
Recommended Safety Equipment & PPE
We recommend you use safety goggle, helmet, gloves and cotton overalls.
Safety Goggles - If you do not have a helmet with a protective visor, at least wear safety goggles to protect your eyesight.
Overalls - should be 100% cotton
Gloves - We recommend using gloves, particularly on cold wet November nights, but make sure they are cotton.
Downloadable files:
Risk Assessment Form.pdf
Skyway Code 22 Sept 2006.pdf
