THE FIREWORK CODE

Always follow the Firework Code

Do not buy fireworks from UNLICENCED retailers. These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal.
Only buy fireworks that comply with current safety standards. They will be CE Marked.
Always keep fireworks in a closed box. Take them out one at a time and close the box.
Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch.
Light the firework at arms length, using a portfire and stand well back.
Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
Never put fireworks in your pocket. Never throw fireworks.
Direct all rockets and other fireworks away from spectators.
Always supervise children around fireworks.
Light sparklers one at a time and always wear gloves.
Never give a sparkler to a child under 5.
Keep pets indoors.
Do not set off fireworks late at night and never after 11.00pm (except on specific occasions, see below)
Take care around bonfires. NEVER use petrol on a bonfire.
Keep naked flames including cigarettes and e-cigarettes away from fireworks.
Make sure that the surroundings are made safe after the display.
Take care with the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used and completely cooled down

The Law and The Misuse of Fireworks

It is an OFFENCE to:
- Buy fireworks if you are under 18. Proof of age and ID will be required on delivery.
- Possess fireworks in a public place if under the age of 18.
- Set off fireworks in the street or any other public places.
- Set off fireworks between 11.00pm and 7.00am except
  - You may set off fireworks until 12.00pm on Bonfire Night (5th November)
  - You may set off fireworks until 1.00am on New Years' Eve, Chinese New Year & Diwali
- Breaching these offences could result in an on the spot fine of £1,000 or up to £7,000 if found guilty in a Court of Law.

Be Safe Not Sorry

Having fireworks at home can be great fun.
Follow our simple steps to make sure your display is safe and fun for everyone.
Fireworks are safe if used correctly and appropriately.

Sparkler Safety

Always wear gloves when holding or lighting a sparkler.
It is against the law to give a child under 5 a sparkler.
Always follow the instructions on the packet and ensure a safe place for disposal of the used sparklers. We recommend a bucket of water as sparklers remain very hot for some time after use.

Choosing What to Purchase

There are several different categories of firework that the public may purchase.
Members of the public can purchase and set off fireworks that come under Categories F1, F2 and F3.
These are fireworks that include those that can be used indoors (F1), and in your garden display (F2 and F3)
Always read the instructions carefully and make sure that the fireworks that you buy are suitable for the size and place where you are intending to set them off.

Professional Fireworks

Some fireworks can only be bought and used by fireworks professionals (Category F4).
These include aerial shells, aerial maroons, more powerful cakes, slices and roman candles. These types of firework are NEVER for sale to the general public.

Firing Safety

Only one person should be in charge of the fireworks.
If that is you, then make sure you take all the necessary precautions.
- Read the instructions in the daylight to familiarise yourself with the fireworks.
- Do not drink any alcohol or take any type of drugs.
- Make your preparations in advance, in the daylight.
- Plan the firing order of the fireworks.
On the night, you will need
- A torch. A head-torch is good as it keeps your hands free.
- A bucket of water, or two.
- Eye/face protection and gloves
- Suitable support for all fireworks to be fired and launch tubes for any rockets which may be fired.

Firework Displays

If you are organising a firework display then read the HSE information guide on how to organise a safe and successful firework display.
Be Safe. Be Considerate. Don't Become A Nuisance.
Download the Explosives Industry Group - Giving Your Own Firework Display Guide HERE.

Informing Neighbours

Inform your neighbours of your intended display.
Being courteous costs nothing. Invite them round to enjoy the display with you.

The Firework Code

Always follow the Firework Code

Do not buy fireworks from UNLICENCED retailers. These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal.

Only buy fireworks that comply with current safety standards. They will be CE Marked.

Always keep fireworks in a closed box. Take them out one at a time and close the box.

Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch.

Light the firework at arms length, using a portfire and stand well back.

Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

Never put fireworks in your pocket. Never throw fireworks.

Direct all rockets and other fireworks away from spectators.

Always supervise children around fireworks.

Light sparklers one at a time and always wear gloves.

Never give a sparkler to a child under 5.

Keep pets indoors.

Do not set off fireworks late at night and never after 11.00pm (except on specific occasions, see below)

Take care around bonfires. NEVER use petrol on a bonfire.

Keep naked flames including cigarettes and e-cigarettes away from fireworks.

Make sure that the surroundings are made safe after the display.

Take care with the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used and completely cooled down

​The Law and The Misuse of Fireworks

It is an OFFENCE to:

Buy fireworks if you are under 18. Proof of age and ID will be required on delivery.

Possess fireworks in a public place if under the age of 18.

Set off fireworks in the street or any other public places.

Set off fireworks between 11.00pm and 7.00am except

You may set off fireworks until 12.00pm on Bonfire Night (5th November)

You may set off fireworks until 1.00am on New Years' Eve, Chinese New Year & Diwali

Breaching these offences could result in an on the spot fine of £1,000 or up to £7,000 if found guilty in a Court of Law.

Be Safe Not Sorry

Having fireworks at home can be great fun.

Follow our simple steps to make sure your display is safe and fun for everyone.

Fireworks are safe if used correctly and appropriately.

Sparkler Safety

Always wear gloves when holding or lighting a sparkler.

It is against the law to give a child under 5 a sparkler.

Always follow the instructions on the packet and ensure a safe place for disposal of the used sparklers. We recommend a bucket of water as sparklers remain very hot for some time after use.

Choosing What to Purchase

There are several different categories of firework that the public may purchase.

Members of the public can purchase and set off fireworks that come under Categories F1, F2 and F3.

These are fireworks that include those that can be used indoors (F1), and in your garden display (F2 and F3)

Always read the instructions carefully and make sure that the fireworks that you buy are suitable for the size and place where you are intending to set them off.

Professional Fireworks

Some fireworks can only be bought and used by fireworks professionals (Category F4).

These include aerial shells, aerial maroons, more powerful cakes, slices and roman candles. These types of firework are NEVER for sale to the general public.

Firing Safety

Only one person should be in charge of the fireworks.

If that is you, then make sure you take all the necessary precautions.

Read the instructions in the daylight to familiarise yourself with the fireworks.

Do not drink any alcohol or take any type of drugs.

Make your preparations in advance, in the daylight.

Plan the firing order of the fireworks.

On the night, you will need

A torch. A head-torch is good as it keeps your hands free.

A bucket of water, or two.

Eye/face protection and gloves

Suitable support for all fireworks to be fired and launch tubes for any rockets which may be fired.

Firework Displays

If you are organising a firework display then read the HSE information guide on how to organise a safe and successful firework display.

Be Safe. Be Considerate. Don't Become A Nuisance.

Download the Explosives Industry Group - Giving Your Own Firework Display Guide HERE.

Informing Neighbours

Inform your neighbours of your intended display.

Being courteous costs nothing. Invite them round to enjoy the display with you.

The Law and The Misuse of Fireworks