Whenever dealing with fireworks you must always pay attention to the Firework Safety Code:
- Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box.
- Follow the instructions on each firework.
- Light them at arm’s length, using a taper.
- Stand well back.
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
- Always supervise children around fireworks.
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
- Never give sparklers to a child under five.
- Keep pets indoors.
- Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm, Exceptions are; Midnight on Nov 5th and 1.00am on New Years Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
Explain about the various CAT levels of fireworks
How can I buy Cat 4 fireworks?
How much space does Allstar Fireworks Ltd need?
Who needs to be notified that I am having a Allstar Fireworks Ltd Display?
What insurance cover is required?
How much time does Allstar Fireworks Ltd require to set up a display?
Can Allstar Fireworks Ltd's displays be affected by the weather?
How old must I be to let off fireworks?
There are four main categories as classified by BS 7114 : 2 : 1988.
Category 1: Indoor Fireworks ( Party Poppers etc).Category 2: Garden Fireworks ( The majority of fireworks supplied by newsagents, toy shops).Category 3: Display Fireworks ( The largest fireworks on general sale to members of the public. These fireworks must be sited at least 25 metres from spectators, buildings and other hazards).Category 4: Partially assembled and specialist devices for professional use only. These items must not be sold to, or used by, the general public.
It is an offence to be in possession of Cat 4 Fireworks, unless you are a firework professional.
All fireworks sold to the general public should have a label confirming it conforms to BS 7114. This is the standard as laid down by the BSI to which all fireworks supplied to the general public must conform. The standard calls for fireworks to be quality tested before they are made available for sale , have adequate delay fuses, to allow the firer to retire, and to display clear warnings, instructions and a description on the label.
You can hold an Allstar Firework display at any time of the year. We try to consider neighbours and pets etc, when planning a display and in general, displays should be held no later than 10pm. The law states, fireworks can not be fired after 11pm, except on November 5th, where you have to be finished by midnight. This is extended to 1.00am on New Years Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
You can use fireworks on privately owned ground providing you have permission to do so, never fire on public roads and footpaths, and make sure there are no electricity pylons, overhead wires, trees, buildings and other obstacles in the way. If you intend to carry out a display on common land you must have approval from your local council and if applicable the land owner.
To carry out a display safely we need a reasonably large area which is clear of buildings, trees and any other hazards. We require at least 30 metres distance between spectators and the nearest firework, (we recommend 50 metres minimum and much more if we are using our larger aerial shells ). We ideally need a drop zone to the sides and rear of the firing area where debris and rocket sticks can fall safely.
As a matter of courtesy local residents and livestock owners of the location should be informed.
It is very important to keep the authorities informed of your plans. November 5th is always a busy time for them, so please give them plenty of warning about your plans.
You should also contact:
- The Fire Brigade
- The Police
- First Aid Service
- Local authority
- HM Coastguard - If your display is near the coast
All fireworks displays perfomed by Allstar Fireworks Ltd are covered by our own £5 million public and products liability insurance. If you are organising a public display you must ensure you have arranged your own public liability cover. Many insurance companies will provide public liability on a 'per event' basis. We can help you arrange any extra insurance should you require this.
In most normal cases, for a private or local authority display we will set up on the day of the event itself - the larger the event, the more time we need. Speak to us about your individual requirements and we will assess the set up time as soon as possible.
The weather can have a large effect on our displays. We take many precautions to ensure that rain and moisture does not affect us - however it can put a 'dampener'on the evening - particularly for the audience. Windy conditions can make firing a display extremely hazardous, and, for your and our safety, we will avoid firing a display in strong winds - it just simply is not worth the risk. When you book your display with us we will discuss all of the bad weather options with you.
You must be at least 18 years old; it is an offence to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.