{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120353\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(Published November 2024, replacing\u0026nbsp;May 2021)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFireworks displays can be fun as well as a great fundraising activity for any Scout Group, District or County.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECheck the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks/using.htm\u0022\u003EHSE guidance\u0026nbsp;\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003Efor running firework events. It\u0027s really important to manage the use of fireworks safely at all times, from the moment they are purchased, to the disposal after use.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIf you are intending to run a display it is the responsibility of your Lead Volunteer and Trustees to ensure that the event is run safely.\u0026nbsp; Even providing a small display with domestic fireworks needs to be approved by your Lead Volunteer, properly planned and risk assessed.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ECategory 4 Fireworks\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere is no reason why you should not light a display yourselves provided it only contains fireworks in categories 1, 2 and 3.\u00A0 But remember, category 4 fireworks may only be used by professional firework display operators. In untrained hands they can be lethal.\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPlanning an Event\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPreferably independent firework display organizers /operators/contractors should be used. If so, get written confirmation that they have public liability insurance and that they comply with all regulations and advice from the appropriate bodies.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOne person should be appointed, who is in overall control of the event, with final responsibility for all health and safety matters. Produce a simple written plan to help communicate safety for this event to all involved.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBefore setting up your event, make sure you have informed your local Emergency Services.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe site chosen should have as many entrances and exits as possible, which should be well lit and clearly signposted.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep well clear of buildings, trees, overhead power lines and other hazards. Car parking areas should be sited well away from the display area and dropping zone.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMake sure individuals are made fully aware of their duties, reporting and referral lines.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep spectators at a safe distance. A rope or strong barrier should be used to clearly mark off the display area.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDesignate adult stewards for crowd control and any emergency. There must be at least one steward for every 250 spectators and a minimum of two. Stewards should be easily recognisable to spectators (HiViz).\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDo not allow spectators to enter the site with their own fireworks \u2013 including sparklers.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuitable firefighting equipment must be available.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHave a designated first aider(s). They should have reliable regular contact with the person in charge of the event. On a larger event radios makes this process much quicker and saves time in an emergency.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EManaging the Fireworks\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETry to recruit at least one person with previous firework experience.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAppropriate safety clothing, headgear, gloves and goggles should be worn by persons responsible for lighting any bonfire or fireworks.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAll fireworks used should be compliant with British Safety Standards.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFireworks should only be used in accordance with the manufacturer\u2019s instructions.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep fireworks in a metal container and remove one at a time, replacing the lid.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFireworks which fail to ignite should not be returned to.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESpent or failed fireworks should be soaked in a container of water and manufacturer consulted about disposal. Fireworks must not be put on bonfires\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EBonfires\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAny bonfire must be a safe distance from spectators, and well away from firework firing area.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA responsible adult should be in charge.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe bonfire should be stable and a manageable size.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECheck the bonfire for pets and wildlife, especially hedgehogs, before lighting it.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENever use paraffin, petrol or solvents to start a fire or once lit.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDangerous rubbish such as aerosols should never be burnt.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWater should be poured on embers and the site should not be left until the fire is completely out.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EFurther Support\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are lots of places to get additional support and advice, check out the support available below.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks/using.htm\u0022\u003EThe Health and Safety Executive (HSE)\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E,\u00A0publish excellent simple guidance on firework displays. These are essential reading for a display organiser. If you cannot comply with the HSE recommendations, you should not be running the event!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http://www.saferfireworks.com/\u0022\u003ERoyal Society for the Prevention of Accidents\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGet Protected\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFireworks displays are often cancelled due to bad weather. Unity can arrange a Cancellation \u0026amp; Abandonment policy to cover your investment, if the event has to be cancelled for reasons outside your control.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf the event is a fundraising event, you may need\u00A0Money cover\u00A0for cash you raise.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECheck out Unity\u2019s page on\u00A0\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.unityinsuranceservices.co.uk/blog/safety-first-fireworks-and-bonfires\u0022\u003EFirework Displays\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u00A0for the insurance cover you may need.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Watch the Firework and Bonfire event safety video below","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"value":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/8YEX9xhwnok?feature=oembed","gridType":"embed","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass"}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Guidance on the safe use and management of fireworks at Scouting events. ","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"12/06/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":47407,"nodeName":"Firework Safety","title":"Firework Safety","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Firework Safety","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Guidance on the safe use and management of fireworks at Scouting events. ","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NzQwNyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/event-safety-and-planning/planning-safe-activities/firework-safety/"}