Ceredigion County Council website

Firework displays can be very spectacular community events and for it to go ahead without incident, businesses and organisations planning displays must appoint a competent person to have the overall responsibility for safety. Like most things planning well in advance will ensure the event runs smoothly on the night.

Fireworks come in 4 categories:

• Category 1 - Indoor: Party poppers; crackers; theatrical props; caps etc
• Category 2 - Garden Fireworks: The type supplied from retail shops
• Category 3 - Display Fireworks: The most powerful fireworks on general sale to members of the public
• Category 4 - Profession Display Fireworks: Part assembled and specialist devices for professional use only

A display venue needs to be a reasonably large area clear of trees, buildings, overhead wires and other hazards. Category 3 display fireworks need approximately 30m between spectators and the nearest firework. In addition, a safe drop zone must be provided behind and to the sides of the firing area where firework debris can fall. Also consider the locality in respect of other factors like livestock and aircraft flight paths.

Giving your own firework display - HSE Publication provides advice for organisations like sports clubs and school parent/teacher associations, parish councils and public houses putting on displays which typically attract some 100 customers/spectators.

Working together on firework displays - HSE Publication provides guidance for competent display operators and organisers possessing specialist knowledge of fireworks and requisite training. It provides guidance for display organisers on issues such as managing crowds safely and what to do if something goes wrong. It provides safety advice for those who are responsible for setting up and firing the fireworks and also how to clear up correctly after a firework display.

The following from the Health and Safety Executive website provides a guide to the Health & Safety Guidance.

Further information

• Fireworks use is regulated, including time restrictions: it is an offence for anyone to set off fireworks between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, except on specific dates—Bonfire Night (cut off midnight); New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year (cut off 1:00 am). These curfews are enforced by the police
• No general “display licence” exists. A public or private fireworks display does not itself require a premises licence or Temporary Event Notice under the Licensing Act 2003, unless other licensable activities are provided (e.g., sale of alcohol, certain forms of regulated entertainment). Fireworks, as such, are not a licensable activity
• Where fireworks may (and may not) be used: Using or throwing fireworks in a street or public place is an offence under historic explosives and highways legislation; displays should take place on private land with the landowner’s permission
• Sales, possession and categories: Sales are restricted seasonally (or require a storage/sales licence for all year trade). “Adult” fireworks (Categories F2/F3) are age restricted; professional Category F4 fireworks are for competent operators only. Trading Standards and Police enforce these provisions
• Because displays are intermittent and short lived, they rarely meet the legal threshold for a statutory noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (which considers frequency, duration and character)
• In respect of the bonfire, only clean timber should be used, and no rubber/ plastic, oils or tars should be burnt as it is an offence to burn anything likely to cause “Dark Smoke” Under the Clean Air Act 1993. Where possible wood should be kept as dry as possible prior to burning
• A suitable and sufficient risk assessment should be undertaken to include advice in the above links

Expectations of organisers – recognised UK guidance

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) set out practical requirements and good practice for community and professional displays. In particular, organisers should:

• Choose a suitable site with adequate spectator and fall out zones, check in daylight for overhead power lines and obstructions, plan for wind direction and contingencies
• Operate on private land with permission; observe the legal time limits (11 pm–7 am curfew with specified exemptions)
• Follow labelled safety distances for all fireworks used; control access to firing and fall out zones; prevent spectators bringing their own fireworks
• Undertake a risk assessment, provide stewarding and emergency arrangements; although not mandated by specific fireworks law, public liability insurance is widely expected as part of responsible event management and by landowners/venues (and is recommended in local authority risk guidance)

A guide to planning and safety at firework displays for organisers and professional operators is available from the Explosives Industry Group document Working Together on Fireworks Displays.

If you are planning to put on a fireworks display in Ceredigion please refer to the above guidance and/or for further information please contact clic@ceredigion.gov.uk.