HEALTH & SAFETY
• Ensure all spectators are at least 25 metres from the firework area. This can be controlled by the addition of barriers or staff/volunteers
• You will need one steward for every 250 spectators attending the display and ensure you have a team of people available to scour the school grounds for fire and firework debris after the event
• Be extra vigilant with bonfires – if you can, it is better to manage without one but if it is necessary, ensure it is well away from buildings, trees, hedges or fences
• Ensure the provision of serviced fire extinguishers, first aid kits with trained first aiders on duty, and emergency exits are in place if applicable and these are kept free from obstruction
• Make sure all neighbours are informed to ensure that pets are kept safely indoors
• Ensure school pets are off-site or protected in a quieter area of the school for the duration of the event
Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used. Children and young people should be supervised and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance.
Top 10 tips: • Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
• In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry a CE marking or the UKCA mark. In the case of Northern Ireland look for either the CE mark or for the UKNI symbol. You may also see the UKNI mark along with the UKCA or CE symbol. Keep your fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. CE, UKCA and UKNI markings on fireworks demonstrate that the product has
October 2024
been tested to the required essential safety standard
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
• Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit • Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire • Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving
Finally, did you know? • It is against the law to carry fireworks in public if you’re under 18
• Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18
• It is an offence to let fireworks off during night hours (11pm to 7am), except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year (1am)
• It is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875 to tamper with or modify fireworks
• If you want to buy, possess and use fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers) in Northern Ireland you must have a valid fireworks licence
• New Scottish legislation means it is now illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm - this extends to midnight on the 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali
Scott Macarthur has 25 years of experience in the property compliance sector, specialising in fire risk consultancy in education, public sector, residential, commercial, retail, production, banking and the energy sector.
www.education-today.co.uk 37
For further information or advice and guidance on fire safety, visit
uwww.inspectasfiresafety.co.uk email
uinfo@inspectas.co.uk or call u0808 164 9705
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