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Firework Safety

Think it’s cool to play with fireworks?

Not sure how old you have to be to buy a firework.

If so, you need to know the facts about fireworks

Firework Law

You can’t set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am except on 5 November when you set them off until midnight and New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali when they can be set off until 1am.

You must be over 18 to buy fireworks, except for caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns which you can buy at 16 years.

It is an offence to throw or set off fireworks in a street or public place and it is also illegal for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in public. Anyone found guilty could have to pay a fine of up to £5,000. On-the-spot fines can also be issued of £80.

It is an offence for people who aren’t firework professionals to buy and possess category 4 fireworks. These are only to be used at public displays by firework professionals.

The Firework Code

·        Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin

·        Use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately

·       NEVER put fireworks in your pocket

·        Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER use a naked flame

·        Light fireworks at arms length using taper or a firework lighter

·        Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face

·       NEVER throw fireworks

·       Keep all pets and animals indoors

·        Take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished

·        Ask a responsible adult to help you.

So remember…

·       You can’t set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am apart from on special days.

·       You need to be 18 to buy a firework.

·       When using fireworks follow the firework code to keep safe.