Firework Safety

Only buy fireworks from a Licensed Firework retailer.

Do not buy fireworks from anywhere you're not sure about, such as the back of a van or from a temporary, unlicensed market stall. Make sure all the fireworks you buy comply with British Standards BS 7114. A good indication that the firework complies is the BS 7114 number showing at the end of the instructions. The BS mark means you shouldn't end up with anything too crazy and are guaranteed a reasonable amount of time to get away from the firework once lit.

All Fireworks on this site comply

Be aware of Category 2 and 3 fireworks

The firework category tells you about how far away from the firework your audience should be.

• Category 2 = 5 metres
• Category 3 = 25 metres

If you buy a Category 3 Firework and have your audience 5m away, they will get covered in all sorts of debris and will get a little fried. This is dangerous and easily avoidable if you are aware of the difference between Category 2 and 3.

Read instructions

Most of the fireworks on sale fall in to one of the two categories and are straight forward to set-up. However, in some instances fireworks need to be fixed securely to the ground and/or facing a certain direction. It's worth checking to see if there any special instructions. This will ensure you get the best out of the firework whilst staying safe.

Be aware of Sparklers

At family back-garden displays, sparklers cause more injuries than air-bombs, bangers, and rockets combined. Half of all firework accidents happen to children under the age of 16.

Portfire

Use a 'Portfire' to ignite fireworks. This will save time and make lighting much easier and safer. They last for about three minutes and do not go out.

Common Sense

Recommended - Be switched on and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not drink alcohol when handling fireworks.