Home | Remember, remember the 5th of November
Remember, remember the 5th of November
20 October 2008
That time of year is fast approaching, and with it comes the annual firework display, roaring bonfire... and approximately 1,000 people injured.
Despite extensive safety regulations, fireworks are still responsible for an unacceptably high number of accidents each year.
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 make it an offence to sell fireworks, including sparklers, to anyone under 18 years of age. Failure to adhere to this will result in a fine of up to £5,000 and/or a six month prison sentence.
It is also illegal to sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns to anyone under the age of 16.
Retailers and suppliers must follow certain basic safety requirements:
- never let customers handle fireworks while they are choosing their purchase
- fireworks must be stored and displayed for sale in a safe and secure manner
- boxes of fireworks must never be split and sold separately
- all fireworks purchased must meet the British Standard BS 7114
Anyone who intends to store fireworks must take all necessary measures to prevent fire or explosion, and to protect people from fire and explosion.
A fireworks company owner and his son were charged recently with the manslaughter of two firefighters who died following an explosion at their factory. They have been charged with failing to provide a ‘duty of care in the handling and the storage of fireworks that posed a mass explosion or hazard.’ The company has also been charged with health and safety offences.
The safe storage of fireworks is of paramount importance. Companies must ensure that fireworks are stored in a safe secure area and not in close proximity to anything combustible. A sufficient risk assessment must include the existence of fireworks, and all reasonable risk control measures must be adopted.
Companies should have regard to relevant fire legislation, and if storing more than 50 kg net of fireworks (or also in certain other circumstances) then they must hold a valid registration or licence for storage.
Please see the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005, or contact us, for further detailed guidance.
© Shoosmiths. This page is for general information: it is not legal advice. Please read our full terms and conditions for details of the disclaimers and exclusions which apply.
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