Fireworks add excitement to numerous public and private celebrations and events. However, fireworks can also cause annoyance and can potentially be very dangerous, they are after all explosives.
Each year nearly 1000 people are treated in hospital for firework related injuries. Many of these occur at public displays but an even greater number at private parties. When someone gets injured what was supposed to be a fun evening turns into something far more horrific.
Even if displays are conducted in a safe manner, fireworks can frighten and disturb animals and people, case damage from their fall out and can impact on air quality. Their effects are also exacerbated by the use of bonfires during the same event.
Firework Safety
- As a member of the public you should make sure you only buy fireworks which say they comply with BS:7114 (Part 2:1988)
- Large fireworks designed for public displays should not be used for home displays, you are unlikely to have the room for them and they often need special care and attention.
- When buying your fireworks always read the label and look for the fall out area required for each type of firework. This is the minimum distance you need behind the firing area which is clear for debris to fall safely. Select your fireworks carefully on the basis of your experience and the area you have for your display.
- When considering your layout for your display you need to make sure there is a large enough spectator area upwind of the firing area, that is far enough away from the firing area (the requirements will be on the label for the fireworks). Be prepared to alter your layout if the wind changes direction on the night.
- Bonfires should be sited in its own clear unenclosed space. It should be at least 15 metres from the firework display and other obstacles such as buildings, trees, fences etc.
- Always remember to follow the firework Code
If you are planning a public event you must follow strict guidelines laid out in Health and Safety Guidance HSG 123 – Working Together on Firework Displays, and HSG 124 Giving Your Own Firework Display. You should always draw up a risk assessment and site plan.
More Guidance and further links on Firework Safety can be found on the
HSE’s website.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council also have leaflets available on setting up fireworks displays.
For further advice and information please call Environment & Health on 01493 846478NoiseYou don’t have to have ear splitting bangs to enjoy fireworks. There is a maximum decibel rating that manufacturers should follow. Remember, as the evening progresses people will be sleeping or getting ready for bed and the level of disturbance and annoyance will be that much greater. The Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit the use of fireworks at night (11pm – 7am), with extensions for the following:-
- Until 1:00am on the night of the Chinese New Year
- Until 1:00am on the night of Diwali
- Until 1:00am on New Years Eve
- Until midnight on 5th November
These regulations are enforced by the police. There is also a voluntary code for retailers to follow which requests fireworks are only sold in the three weeks before November 5th and a few days afterwards and for a similar period around New Year.
Air PollutionFireworks are a cocktail of chemicals including sulphur, metals and organic compounds. When ignited complex chemical reactions take place which releases known pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and dioxide, metallic fume and a number of organic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans. They are always accompanied by copious volumes of smoke.
When mixed with the smoke and fumes given off by bonfires, air quality is noticeably poor particularly around November 5th. The Councils air quality monitoring station shows a marked increase in pollution levels.
Be a Good Neighbour
Nobody wants to be a firework killjoy and by following a few simple rules you can enjoy your fireworks with the minimum of disturbance to your neighbours and animals.
- Tell your neighbours if you are going to let fireworks off especially if they are elderly or have children or pets.
- Avoid the really noisy fireworks. Retailers should be able to advise on which are the quieter ones
- Keep pets and animals away
- Friday and Saturday nights are preferable and remember to finish by 11:00 pm
- Avoid unsuitable weather such as high winds which can be hazardous or very still times when pollution will build up
- Enclosed spaces will allow pollution to build up and cause noise to bounce off buildings often amplifying it. Let your fireworks off in open garden areas.
- Be considerate to any concerns of neighbours.
- When you finish clear up the fallout and dispose of waste responsibly.