THE FIREWORK CODE

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE FIREWORK CODE

* Do not buy fireworks from UNLICENCED retailers.
These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal.
* Only buy fireworks that comply with current safety standards. *
* Always keep fireworks in a closed box.
Take them out one at a time and close the box.
* Never put fireworks in your pocket.
* Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or they have pets or children.
* Avoid setting fireworks off late at night, particularly if it is a school-night.
* Ensure your pets are safe.
* Carefully follow the instructions on EACH firework.
* Never go back to a lit firework unless the instructions advise otherwise.
* Never throw fireworks; it is dangerous.
* Light fireworks one at a time, at the end of the fuse, and at arm’s length.
* Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, even when lighting them.
* Never give sparklers to a child under the age of 5.
* Never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire.

STAY SAFE, BE CONSIDERATE, AND DON’T BECOME A NUISANCE.

* All fireworks supplied by BFA members are tested to conform to the current safety standards.
If you require more information, contact the seller or any member of the BFA.

Click here to download a PDF version of the above BFA Firework Code.

Consumer Fireworks (those available to the general public) fall into three main categories (sometimes referred to as CAT).

CAT F1 – Smaller fireworks, some of which are suitable for indoor use and generally have the smallest safety distance.
CAT F2 – Small to Medium sized fireworks which are suitable for outdoor use only. Generally the minimum safe distance to spectators is 8 meters, although the specific instructions for each firework may state a larger distance, which is why it is important to check.
CAT F3 – Medium to Large sized fireworks and the highest available to the general public. Generally the minimum safe distance to spectators is 25 meters, although the specific instructions for each firework may state a larger distance, which is why it is important to check.

AGE LIMITS AND MISUSE OF FIREWORKS, YOU COULD BE FINED AND PROSECUTED

What are the minimum age limits?

* To possess and/or purchase CAT F1 fireworks (e.g., F1 Sparklers), you must be aged 16 or over.
* To possess and/or purchase CAT F2 or CAT F3, you must be aged 18 or over.

What is considered as misuse?

* Possessing and/or purchasing fireworks below the minimum age limit.
* Letting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am (midnight on Bonfire Night and 1am on New Years Eve). NOTE: Times vary for Scotland.
* Throwing or setting off fireworks in any public place.

The RED Firework Guide to GIVING YOUR OWN FIREWORK DISPLAY.

The Explosives Industry Group have created a Red Firework Guide (which replaces HSG 124), this guide is available at http://www.eig2.org.uk/new-guides-for-firework-displays/