General - Firework Safety

Firework Safety Code
• When buying fireworks, make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use “Indoor, Garden or Display”

• Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin.

• NEVER put fireworks in your pocket or anyone else’s.

• Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or a hand lamp. Never use a naked flame.

• Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter.

• Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit.

• Always supervise children around fireworks.

• NEVER throw fireworks.

• Keep all pets and animal indoors.

• Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11 pm.
Sparklers
• These are often viewed as being harmless but they do burn at fierce temperatures. To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is equivalent to the heat from a welding torch.

• Never give sparklers to young children under five.

• Always wear gloves with sparklers, preferably leather ones.

• Hold it at arms length and always have an adult light it.

• Never wave sparklers about near anyone else as you could burn them.

• Never hold a baby in your arms when you are holding a sparkler.

• When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water straight away.


What you should know when buying fireworks
• Fireworks must not be sold to children under 16 years of age.

• Fireworks cannot and should not be bought in Northern Ireland without a licence. The only exceptions will be Category 1 i.e. sparklers and indoor fireworks.

• To fire any outdoor firework you must apply to the NIO for a licence.

• Only Category 2 garden fireworks can be purchased by the general public.

• Fireworks of erratic flight, mini-rockets, bangers and air bombs are illegal.

• The cost of a fireworks licence is £30. When applying for one you must specify who is using the fireworks.

• Fireworks should not be fired between the hours of 11.00 pm and 7.00 am