Fireworks!

Fireworks can add excitement to special occasions, however, they are also:

• dangerous
• can frighten and disturb people and animals
• cause annoyance and damage
• have an impact on air quality.

Treat fireworks with respect and be safe!

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.

In recent years approximately 1,000 people per year have required treatment at hospital casualty departments, with 5% of these being classed as "serious accidents" requiring a stay of one or more nights in hospital.

Organised Displays

There are usually organised firework displays, particularly around 5 November.

Details of what's going on in Elmbridge are usually printed within local newspapers.

Alternatively, |Surrey County Council provides a list of planned events on their website.

Noise Nuisance

Fireworks are explosives and the |noise can frighten and cause a nuisance, in particular to the elderly, children and animals.

The |Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit the supply of fireworks louder than 120 decibels.

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 |air 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:

• Fireworks only to be sold for three weeks before 5th November and a few days afterwards, and for a similar period around New Year.

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 regarding 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:

• the sale of fireworks to anyone under 18
• the sale of caps, cracker snaps and party poppers to anyone under 16
• the supply to the public of bangers, mini rockets, fireworks that fly erratically (squibs, helicopters etc.) aerial shells and maroons and mortars and some large powerful display fireworks.

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:

• Chinese New Year and the preceding 3 days
• Diwali and the preceding three days
• 15 October - 10 November (Bonfire Night Celebrations)
• 26 - 31 December (for New Year celebrations).

Traders will need to |apply for a licence to supply or store 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 £5,000 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:

• Ensure your pet is safe indoors and secure doors, windows and cat flaps
• Get your dog or cat microchipped, then if they lost or injured they can be identified
• If your pet hides, leave it alone - this is where the animal feels most secure.
• If your pet takes a long time to recover, seek advice from your vet.