Whether you’re holding a small community event or a larger public display, councils should ensure risks have been assessed and appropriate precautions are in place. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that organisers plan responsibly, assess site suitability and prepare for emergencies to help keep spectators, volunteers and contractors safe.
Here are some key considerations for councils planning a fireworks event.
Understand your legal responsibilities
Councils should ensure they comply with all relevant legislation and guidance, including:
- The Fireworks Regulations 2004
- The Explosives Regulations 2014
- The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015
- Applicable health and safety requirements
- Any local authority licensing or permissions requirements
Gov.uk guidance states that organisers should also be aware of restrictions on the use of fireworks at night. In most circumstances, fireworks may only be used between 7am and 11pm, with limited exceptions for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
Is your site suitable?
Before selecting a venue, assess whether it is suitable for a fireworks display. There should be enough space to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended safety distances while accommodating spectator areas, firing zones and debris fallout areas.
You should also consider the wider environment, including overhead power lines, trees, nearby roads, railways, footpaths and neighbouring properties that could be affected by smoke, noise or falling debris.
Fireworks should never be discharged from public highways or other unsuitable locations.
Communicate with your community
Providing advance notice of a display can help reduce complaints and allow those affected to prepare accordingly. Depending on the location and scale of the event, councils may wish to notify nearby residents, farmers, care homes and animal welfare organisations.
Carry out a suitable risk assessment
A documented risk assessment should form the foundation of your event planning. The assessment should consider:
- Crowd management and public safety
- Fire risks and ignition sources
- Weather conditions
- Vehicle and emergency access
- Contractor management
- Risks to volunteers, employees and spectators
- The potential impact on nearby residents, livestock and pets.
Review the assessment in the lead-up to the event and update it if circumstances change.
Professional firework contractors
As noted by HSE, Category F4 fireworks may only be used by professional operators. If you engage a contractor, make sure responsibilities are clearly defined and suitable emergency arrangements are in place.
You should also check that the contractor is appropriately qualified, carries adequate Public Liability insurance and can provide relevant risk assessments and method statements.
Store, handle and dispose of fireworks safely
Purchase fireworks from a reputable supplier and store them securely until required. Access should be limited to authorised individuals, and all handling should follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Plans should also be in place for dealing with misfires and unexploded fireworks. Following the event, inspect the site thoroughly and dispose of any remaining materials safely in line with supplier guidance.
Spectator safety
Keeping attendees safe should remain a priority throughout the planning process. Spectator areas should be clearly identified, located at a safe distance from firing zones and supported by appropriate stewarding arrangements.
Emergency exits should remain accessible and clearly signposted, while emergency service access routes must be kept clear. Councils should also discourage spectators from bringing their own fireworks onto the site.
Prepare for emergencies
Despite careful planning, incidents can still occur. Your event plan should include:
- Emergency contact details
- Clear reporting procedures
- First aid provision appropriate to the size of the event
- Firefighting equipment, such as extinguishers, sand and water where suitable
- Designated individuals responsible for contacting emergency services.
Everyone involved in running the event should understand their role in an emergency situation.
Monitor weather conditions
Weather can have a significant impact on the safe operation of a fireworks display. Forecasts should be monitored in the days leading up to the event and checked again on the day, paying particular attention to wind direction and visibility.
If conditions could compromise the safety of spectators or neighbouring properties, organisers should be prepared to postpone or cancel the display.
Is your event properly insured?
Last but by no means least, insurance should be a key part of the planning process. Councils should ensure they have appropriate cover in place, including Public Liability insurance for claims arising from injury or property damage.
Where employees, volunteers or contractors are involved, review your insurance arrangements carefully and obtain evidence of contractors’ cover. It is also good practice to notify your insurer about any planned fireworks display, particularly if it falls outside your council’s usual activities or is expected to attract larger-than-normal attendance.
Contact us
For more information on fireworks events and insurance considerations for councils, please contact Clear Councils at [email protected].
