Firework safety

Fireworks are a traditional part of celebrations such as bonfire night or New Year but they are the cause of many hundreds of serious accidents every year. They are dangerous explosives and the safest way to enjoy them is to go to a professionally organised event.

The Government's fireworks safety campaign published by the DTI provides downloadable guidance leaflets and materials for organisers of firework displays for the public, retailers, schools and the media, including the firework safety code. For further information, visit the fireworks section of the DTI website.

Professionally organised displays are regulated by the  Health and Safety Executive, who publish two booklets, 'Giving Your Own Firework Display' and 'Working Together', aimed at organisers of professional firework displays.

Follow the firework code

• if you buy fireworks, always make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use, i.e. indoor, garden or display
• keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin
• use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately
• never put fireworks in your pocket
• read the instructions carefully, using a torch or 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 - it could explode in your face
• ensure that all children with fireworks are well supervised
• never throw fireworks
• keep all pets and animals indoors
• take care of sparklers - wear gloves to hold them and dispose of them in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished
• despite annual safety warnings, bonfire night week still ends in disaster for far too many families. Fireworks can be fun, but only if everyone follows the rules and remembers that fireworks can be very dangerous if misused
• remember to be careful with bonfires too. It's much better to manage without one. But if you must have one, make sure it's well away from your house and any trees, hedges, fences or sheds
• never use a flammable liquid like petrol or paraffin to get a bonfire going. If lighting your bonfire is difficult, use only domestic firelighters to help. Check very carefully that there's no animal (or even a young child) hidden inside the bonfire
• don't light it until after all your fireworks have been let off. Keep everyone a safe distance away, and don't allow anyone to throw anything onto it.
• loose clothing (like shell suits) can very easily catch alight and should never be worn near any fire. Long scarves can be risky too
• remember fireworks are explosives - get wise or get hurt.