Firework Safety

SAFETY ADVICE FOR LARGE SELF-FIRED DISPLAYS

1 NEVER SMOKE when handling Fireworks.

2 Open your display on the morning of the event (or sooner) and sort the Fireworks into two categories, a)Ground/Aerial Fireworks, b)Setpiece Fireworks. Separate Fireworks carefully
from packing material. Remember Fireworks are fragile. Please read all the instructions carefully.

3 Always keep Fireworks covered, particularly out of doors where a tarpaulin or sparkproof sheet should be used.

4 Never carry Fireworks in pockets, particularly portfires for a spark could light exposed touchpaper. Portfires are used for lighting Fireworks.

5 Choose a suitable site for the display during daylight. See diagram below for guide to firing site which shows an adequate area for fallout. A secure rope should be placed along the front of the site to ensure that any spectator is kept at least 30 meters from the nearest Firework.
The back of the site should be clear and open and no spectators should be alowed to stand there. Choose a site where the prevailing wind blows from front to rear so that the smoke and sparks are blown away from the spectators. Always make sur the site is free of dry grass and combustable material - and well away from cars.
If the display is large make sure that you have adequate means of access to the site. Provide stewards to look after emergencies. Have some fire equipment available, i.e. Fire Extinguishers
and buckets of sand.

 

 

6 For Setpiece Fireworks you will require timbers. As a general rule you should obtain a piece of timber 2" x 2" x 8ft-10ft long and a stake 2" x 2" x 4ft long. Secure the Setpiece to the 8ft-10ft long timber and having driven the 4ft timber into the ground, secure the post complete with Setpiece to the stake with the 2" vinyl sealing tape.

7 Check that all the blue touch papers are easily ignitable - a quick rub between finger and thumb will loosen the paper if they are tightly packed. Please note that the fuse on Chinese Fireworks is often Grey/Green in colour and that they are secured with cellotape to the Firework. This should obviously be removed before firing.

8 ROCKETS - A rocket firing launcher is supplied with each kit. Additional ones may be purchased from your local wholesale plumber.

9 CANDLE BATTERIES - These may be buried into the ground to a depth of 4". Alternatively, they can be secured to a stake which must be driven into the ground to a depth of 4". STAKES ARE NOT PROVIDED. All of these batteries are fitted with a green igniter fuse. Light the igniter fuse with the portfire provided and retire.

10 People often ask us "How long should a display last?" Irrespective of cost, a display should last for approximately 20/25 minutes but this obviously depends on how many people are firing the display and how quickly the Fireworks are fired. For the best effect, a display should be fired continuously and not be allowed to drag with gaps. In the event no more than 2/3 persons should be involved with the firing of the display.

11 When setting up your display, try and do so in a grid fashion, and this will help you to avoid tripping over the fireworks in the dark.

12 Rockets should always be set out to the rear of the display area - Setpieces in the centre with ground fireworks to the fore - See diagram above.

13 After the display has finished it is advisable to clear the site ensuring that any Fireworks that may have been missed are removed and immersed in water for some hours before disposal in order that they do not fall into the hands of children.

14 Notify your local fire and police departments of the date and time of your display.

15 You will reuire the following:- Torch, lump hammer, knife, sealing tape, spade, helmet, matches and also a flameproof jacket is advisable to avoid singeing from sparks.

16 Prior to disposal of packing material, please check to ensure that no loose Fireworks are left in the box. It is generally agreed that Firework Displays should not take place after 11.00 pm
out of consideration to people who may be living adjacent to your Firework Display Site.

We trust that you will have a safe and enjoyable display.