Fireworks have helped make celebrations memorable for thousands of years. But what should you know about them? Here are three things that might interest you:
There are laws to deal with when buying, selling, and using fireworks.
Consumers and businesses alike benefit from laws which protect from the risk of injury, or worse, caused by counterfeit or sub-standard fireworks. The rules mean that fireworks sold in the UK must meet strict legal standards. For example, The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations make it illegal to sell fireworks here without a CE mark. And they must meet British Safety Standard BS 7114.
Fireworks covered by the law range from the humble sparkler (known as a Category 1 or F1) to Category 4 (or F4), which applies to high value and impact pyrotechnics.
The categories help sellers decide to whom they can sell fireworks. Vendors can only sell Category 4 fireworks to licenced professionals who put on public displays. These fireworks are reserved because they are the most powerful available and must be handled with extreme care.
Also, it is illegal to sell any “adult” fireworks (Category 2 and 3) to under-18s.
And there are even rules on when you can let them off. Users can enjoy fireworks any day between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., except Bonfire night (time extended to midnight), New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year when the time limit is extended to 1 a.m.
Residential users in the UK only need a licence to enjoy fireworks if they live in Northern Ireland. Businesses should consider public liability insurance to guard against the risk of injury or property damage.
Specialist suppliers are worth seeking out for help
Perhaps because they are so heavily regulated, fireworks sellers operate in a niche. This has its advantages for buyers. For example, specialist companies can source fireworks not available in supermarkets or online. This is especially important given the supply chain issues we’ve all been dealing with. Specialists use their contacts to access fireworks others can’t and can fulfil orders when others may sell out.
Another thing to know is that these experts can advise on safety and other issues. For example, you might be tempted to use a milk bottle to launch rockets, but after a quick chat with a specialist, you will learn that properly designed rocket tubes are the way to go.
Fireworks, like people, adapt to a buyer’s needs
Before spending any money, it is worth considering what you want from your fireworks display, and how your space will be filled with it. Fireworks which are active closer to the ground can make sense for those with small back gardens. Bigger gardens, or public displays, may suit higher altitude rockets, loud fireworks and mines, and more complex displays. And it is important to consider the audience (especially those with PTSD, autism, or noise-aversion), animals, and your neighbours. Manufacturers have developed “quiet” fireworks which have a lower noise level than others, to help those who want a display without the disruption.
Bought and used safely, fireworks can be an enjoyable way to bring the wow factor to your special event.
