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Fireworks can add excitement to special occasions, however, they are also:
Treat fireworks with respect and be safe!
Noise Nuisance
Fireworks are explosives and the noise can frighten, in particular, the elderly, children and animals.
Air pollution
Fireworks emit light, heat and sound energy, along with carbon dioxide and other gases and residues. The exact emissions depend on the firework, but as the main component of fireworks is gunpowder, sulphur compounds are emitted. In the UK around bonfire night (5th November) there is often a noticeable increase in pollution - although much of this comes from bonfires rather than fireworks.
When is it legal to buy fireworks?
There are currently no legal restrictions on the times of year when fireworks can be sold, but there is a voluntary code of practice:
Other festivals where the use of fireworks are traditional include Chinese New Year (late January/early February) and Diwali, the Hindu Festival of light (late October/November).
What is the law on supplying fireworks?
Under the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 all fireworks for use by the public must meet British Standard BS 7114. Under these regulations the following are banned:
These regulations are enforced by local authority consumer protection/trading standards officers. Suppliers/shopkeepers in breach face a fine of up to £5000 or 6 months imprisonment.
The |Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit the supply of fireworks louder than 120 decibels.
From January 2005 sections 9 and 11 of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 came into force in England, Wales and Scotland, which prohibit the sale of fireworks to the public from unlicensed traders except for:
Traders will need to apply for a licence to supply fireworks year round.
Storage of Fireworks
Under the Control of Explosives Regulations 1991 it is an offence to keep fireworks (except those for private use) on premises that have not been registered for this purpose. Individuals can store fireworks for private use for up to 14 days, provided they are kept in a safe place.
Fixed Penalty Notices
Throwing or setting off fireworks in the street is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875. This is enforced by the police, with a fixed penalty notice of £80. From 11th October 2004 police can enforce an £80 fixed penalty for anyone under 18 possessing a firework in a public place and for anyone breaching the 11pm curfew.
Animals and Fireworks
It is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals under the Protection of Animals Act 1911. A penalty of up to £5000 and/or 6 months in prison is enforceable by police, trading standards or the RSPCA.
Some top tips to keep your pets safe and happy over the firework season:
Firework Safety
Fireworks are explosives and must be used with caution. A simple sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2000°C. That's over 15 times the boiling point of water and yet we give them to small children. A rocket can reach 150 miles an hour and are the most common cause of firework injuries. For safe use read the |Firework Code.
In 2005 (the last year for which statistics were collected), 990 people received treatment for firework injuries (between 11 October and 8 November 2005 when fireworks are most widely used by the general public in the UK). Of these injuries 5% were classed as "serious accidents" requiring a stay of one or more nights in hospital. With the new firework regulations in place it is hoped that this level of injuries will be further reduced each year.
For information on firework safety contact: