Guy Fawkes Fireworks Displays - Safety Advice

Oct. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- The following advice is primarily aimed at people running a public display. However much of the information is relevant to any display however small so please read it thoroughly.

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Planning your display

Extra time spent planning your display is always worthwhile it’s essential to ensure that public displays are properly organised. At the earliest stage appoint a project coordinator and/or planning committee. Make sure everyone knows which area of activity is their responsibility - purchasing, storing and transport of the fireworks, organising the site, promoting the event, arranging car parking, distributing tickets and so on.

Produce a written Action Plan with all the key events highlighted and assigned to individuals with one person in overall charge.
Notifying the Authorities

Well in advance of the event; notify the fire brigade, and the police. Inform them of any developments or changes that occur before the event. If you live near airports or the coast inform the airport authorities and/or the coastguard.
Your responsibilities
The organisers should be aware of their responsibilities under the Health &
Safety at Work Act, and in particular how the provisions of the act may apply to
firework displays.

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Site selection and layout

• The bigger the site, and the farther from housing, the better.

• Arrange the site so that the prevailing wind blows on to the backs of spectators and watch for changes of direction during the display.

• There should be a minimum distance of 25m between spectators and fireworks
- remember that some large display fireworks may require a greater distance.

• There should be a clear fall out area on which spent rockets can land. Ensure there are no overhead obstructions like trees or power lines.
Spectators should be kept in a roped off designated area. For a public display, this should be patrolled by stewards.The spectators should not have access to the display and fall out areas.

• Ensure that the noise from the display will not cause distress to elderly people, livestock or pets, by informing pensioners, the owners of old peoples homes, pet owners and farmers of the display date well before the display takes place.

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On the night

Make sure that you have buckets of sand and water available and whenever possible water based fire extinguishers.

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http://www.brilliantfireworks.co.uk
4 Park Parade
Gunnersbury Avenue
LONDON / Ealing
W3 9BD
020 8896 2866

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Established in 1991, The Fireworks Firm Ltd combines the organisation of firework displays, a retail outlet in London and an online shop in one professional bundle.