411:() made provision, in section 5 para 3 for exceptions to the licensing requirements for up to 100g of any explosive, or 30 kilograms of shooters' powder and 300 grams of percussion caps may be stored without the local authority licensing regime (although clearly to make or store explosive material with the intention to cause public nuisance or damage to persons or property would be illegal under other laws.). The 2014 amendments retain these exceptions in section 6 para 2. This clause is probably aimed at chemistry teaching establishments, and to allow trainers of police dogs etc. to carry small quantities, but can be exploited by enthusiasts wishing to experiment with small quantities of explosives at home. The UK Pyrotechnic Society publishes advice for people who want to safely and lawfully manufacture experimental
125:
36:
70:
202:
are for sale only to fireworks professionals. They have no restrictions, and this is the default category for any firework which has not been tested to confirm that it should be in one of the lower categories.Company directors are liable under the Health and Safety at Work Act for the safety of their
256:
Consumers may hold up to 5 kg NEC 1.4G fireworks for personal use for an unlimited time and 50 kg NEC up to 21 days. For 1.3G fireworks, 5 kg can also be kept for an unlimited time and up to 100 kg for 5 days. Any amount of either 1.3g or 1.4g may be held for up to 24 hours. If
226:: all fireworks of the "aerial shell"/"mortar shell" type, which launch single, large projectiles into the air where they explode to create effects - are Category 4. This was as a result of the deaths in 1996 of Stephen Timcke and David Hattersley, who were killed by mortars on successive nights.
265:
Except for specially licensed year-round firework shops, fireworks are only for sale for
Chinese New Year and three days prior, Diwali and three days prior, from 15 October to 10 November (for Guy Fawkes Night), and from 26 to 31 December (for New Year). Typically supermarkets and other general
368:
In the UK, the most common injuries are burns from hand-held fireworks such as sparklers. People are also injured by projectiles fired from fireworks, often due to incorrect use. Other issues include the dangers of falling rocket sticks, especially from larger rockets containing metal motors.
335:
Until 1996, during the
Troubles, fireworks were completely restricted, except for organised public displays. There were concerns that the noise of fireworks could be confused with the sound of bombs or gunfire, as well as fears that they could be used as weapons or parts of bombs.
415:
compositions or articles.The UK Pyrotechnic
Society publishes advice for people who want to safely and lawfully manufacture experimental pyrotechnic compositions or articles, providing valuable guidance for enthusiasts and professionals alike
326:
In
Northern Ireland it is illegal to buy, possess and use fireworks without a valid fireworks licence, with the exception of indoor fireworks and sparklers. 515 firework licences were issued in Northern Ireland around Halloween in 2016.
189:
A Category 3 firework will contain no more than 1 kg net explosive content in the case of combinations and fountains, except for fountain combinations, which can contain up to 3 kg of net explosive content.
1007:
174:
Under BS14035, there are also now
Category 2 fireworks that require a longer distance of 8 metres, providing potentially better effects than 5-metre fireworks but without the fallout of Category 3 fireworks.
185:
It is not illegal for a firework to be set off at less than the minimum safely viewable distance; however, in the event of any injury to a spectator, the firer might be liable if the distance was too short.
253:
will be in category 1.3g, and many fall into
Category 3, legal for public sale; however the cost of complying with storage regulations means that retailers may choose not to sell 1.3g fireworks.
203:
employees, and prosecutions have occurred. Category 4 ("professional") fireworks are for sale only to fireworks professionals, with no restrictions, serving as the default category for untested
1106:
348:, sale, possession and use of fireworks is illegal for non-professionals, and is punishable by fines and/or prison. Due to the relative ease of being able to purchase from
999:
575:
615:
1039:
1072:
388:
380:
In the United
Kingdom, the Firework Code (sometimes Firework safety code) is the name given to a number of similar sets of guidelines for the safe use of
246:
645:
675:
211:
1188:
360:
In
Northern Ireland, fireworks offences carry a maximum fine of £5,000 or a three month prison sentence - half the sentence of assault, or both.
430:
1098:
151:
Otherwise, all fireworks, since 1997, must comply with BS7114, and be marked accordingly and fall into one of the following three categories:
425:
736:
553:
492:
462:
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854:
1032:
705:
1136:
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266:
retail outlets sell fireworks in the
October–November period and for new year, but do not sell at the other periods in most areas.
1102:
977:
392:
828:
1162:
607:
585:
917:
372:"Shock" adverts were used in the 1970s and 80s in an attempt to restrict injuries from fireworks, targeted at young people.
249:
1.3g are distinguished from those without that hazard, namely UN category 1.4g. Fireworks containing more than 25 grams of
1076:
310:
prohibits setting off, or throwing fireworks in the street. Breaking these laws can result in an on-the-spot fine of £90.
45:
307:
522:
947:
450:
124:
278:
229:
Mini-rockets, bangers, firecrackers, fireworks of erratic flight (including jumping fireworks) were banned in 1997.
97:
798:
768:
669:"Statutory Instruments: 2004 No. 1372: Consumer Protection: The Fireworks (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2004"
257:
storing for longer periods, a license is required if storing more than 5 kg NEC (Net
Explosive Content).
100:(under powers delegated from the Fireworks Act 2003), the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015, and
387:
These include a thirteen-point guideline issued by the British government, a ten-point guide issued by the
637:
668:
1184:
702:"Statutory Instruments: 1991 No. 1531: Health and Safety: The Control of Explosives Regulations 1991"
269:
Using or buying fireworks illegally can result in a £5,000 fine or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
1132:
396:
345:
318:
Due to its unique security situation, regulations for fireworks are different in Northern Ireland.
728:
545:
484:
454:
148:
People under the age of 18 are not allowed to buy fireworks, nor possess them in a public place.
133:
352:
however, a large amount of fireworks are still smuggled and set off in the Republic of Ireland.
170:
must be safely viewable from 25 metres away, and must scatter no debris beyond a 20-metre range.
408:
292:
164:
must be safely viewable from 5 metres away, and must scatter no debris beyond a 3-metre range.
109:
349:
296:
284:
113:
105:
850:
701:
1128:
879:
136:, and is an example of an indoor firework, which are designated as Category 1 fireworks.
52:
Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.
50:. The reason given is: BS regulations were fully superseded by European CE regulations.
969:
69:
1210:
820:
129:
1158:
580:
250:
1000:"Just a reminder of how terrifying firework safety films were in the 70s and 80s"
909:
399:. The first of these guidelines was published by the British government in 2008.
236:
were also banned, in an effort to stop anti-social behaviour involving fireworks.
576:"Bristol man admits firework insurance fraud charge after assistant was blinded"
1068:
733:
Statutory Instruments: 2004 No. 1836: Fireworks: The Fireworks Regulations 2004
550:
Statutory Instruments: 2004 No. 1836: Fireworks: The Fireworks Regulations 2004
459:
Statutory Instruments: 2004 No. 1836: Fireworks: The Fireworks Regulations 2004
74:
455:"Prohibition of possession of fireworks by persons below the age of eighteen"
17:
1043:
514:
407:
The manufacture and sale of fireworks requires licensing as above. However,
303:
101:
81:
939:
245:
In terms of transport and storage, fireworks with a 'minor blast hazard',
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89:
790:
764:
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233:
204:
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85:
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for the safety of their employees, and prosecutions have occurred.
232:
In 2004 the definition of mini-rocket was further restricted, and
93:
68:
1185:"ER 2014 – Good practice guidance | UK Pyrotechnics Society"
515:"Hong Kong International Pyrotechnical Technical Testing Limited"
758:
756:
754:
283:
Fireworks must not be let off between 11pm and 7am, except on
29:
1159:"The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005"
409:
The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005
880:"A short history of firework laws in Northern Ireland"
132:
and lit. This pyrotechnic device is a type of small
395:, and a nine-point "firework safety code" from the
306:) in the street or public place. Section 28 of the
27:
Overview of the fireworks law in the United Kingdom
261:Restrictions on sale (England, Scotland and Wales)
110:The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015
273:Restrictions on use (England, Scotland and Wales)
140:BS 7114 defines four 'categories' for fireworks.
48:may be compromised due to out-of-date information
295:, when the period is extended until 1am, and on
638:"Firecrackers Banned in 1997 Due to Fatalities"
128:A cake fountain after being placed on top of a
1040:Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
302:It is illegal to set off fireworks (including
299:, when the period is extended until midnight.
104:BS 7114 until 4/7/17 and BS-EN 15947-2015. In
1073:Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
608:"Guy Fawkes celebration turns into arms race"
389:Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
8:
1069:"RoSPA Safer Fireworks : Firework Code"
114:Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (NI) 2002
874:
872:
182:at 15 metres cannot be sold to the public.
158:are for use in extremely restricted areas.
851:"NI Direct Apply for a fireworks licence"
123:
940:"BBC News | UK | Sparkler safety alert"
442:
210:Company directors are liable under the
1027:
1025:
431:Fireworks policy in the European Union
1191:from the original on 17 December 2018
1165:from the original on 1 September 2019
1139:from the original on 12 November 2014
1109:from the original on 12 November 2014
1079:from the original on 12 November 2014
950:from the original on 17 February 2024
801:from the original on 26 December 2012
648:from the original on 8 September 2020
426:Firearms policy in the United Kingdom
200:Category 4 ("professional") fireworks
7:
920:from the original on 1 November 2020
890:from the original on 2 November 2021
857:from the original on 29 October 2014
618:from the original on 28 January 2018
739:from the original on 9 January 2015
708:from the original on 16 August 2010
556:from the original on 9 January 2015
546:"Exceptions to regulations 4 and 5"
495:from the original on 9 January 2015
465:from the original on 9 January 2015
178:Fireworks that are louder than 120
771:from the original on 20 March 2015
729:"Licensing of fireworks suppliers"
25:
1010:from the original on 30 June 2018
980:from the original on 30 June 2018
681:from the original on 4 March 2016
525:from the original on 3 March 2016
144:Fireworks available to the public
1103:Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
970:"Fireworks Safety – Site Layout"
831:from the original on 19 May 2018
485:"The Fireworks Regulations 2004"
393:Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
168:Category 3 ("display") fireworks
34:
162:Category 2 ("garden") fireworks
156:Category 1 ("indoor") fireworks
821:"Town Police Clauses Act 1847"
584:. 29 June 2010. Archived from
364:Accidents and safety campaigns
96:are governed primarily by the
1:
212:Health and Safety at Work Act
391:, a twelve-point guide from
308:Town Police Clauses Act 1847
108:, fireworks are governed by
1217:Fireworks policy by country
1238:
974:www.firework-review.org.uk
279:Fireworks Regulations 2004
276:
98:Fireworks Regulations 2004
1222:Law of the United Kingdom
403:DIY Fireworks and storage
1129:"Bonfires and fireworks"
763:HMG (12 November 2014).
384:by the general public.
825:www.legislation.gov.uk
767:. British Government.
735:. British Government.
704:. British Government.
674:. British Government.
642:fireworkskingdom.co.uk
552:. British Government.
461:. British Government.
194:Professional fireworks
137:
78:
1187:. 28 September 2014.
127:
72:
791:"Fireworks: the law"
765:"Fireworks: the law"
1133:London Fire Brigade
1099:"The Firework Code"
1006:. 7 November 2015.
916:. 23 October 2015.
886:. 22 October 2016.
853:. 23 October 2015.
614:. 4 November 1996.
397:London Fire Brigade
346:Republic of Ireland
340:Cross-Border Issues
1049:on 6 November 2012
489:legislation.gov.uk
138:
79:
588:on 1 January 2015
102:British Standards
77:, 1 January 2010.
67:
66:
16:(Redirected from
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350:Northern Ireland
314:Northern Ireland
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285:Chinese New Year
218:Banned fireworks
106:Northern Ireland
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46:factual accuracy
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58:November 2017
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18:Firework Code
1193:. Retrieved
1179:
1167:. Retrieved
1153:
1141:. Retrieved
1123:
1111:. Retrieved
1093:
1081:. Retrieved
1063:
1051:. Retrieved
1044:the original
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773:. Retrieved
741:. Retrieved
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710:. Retrieved
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652:16 September
650:. Retrieved
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620:. Retrieved
611:
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590:. Retrieved
586:the original
581:Bristol Post
579:
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558:. Retrieved
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518:
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467:. Retrieved
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1195:7 September
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1113:12 November
1083:12 November
1053:12 November
910:"Fireworks"
413:pyrotechnic
247:UN Category
1211:Categories
924:5 November
894:5 November
861:23 October
519:hkiptl.com
437:References
120:Categories
75:Birmingham
592:1 January
453:(2004a).
382:fireworks
356:Penalties
304:sparklers
205:fireworks
82:Fireworks
1189:Archived
1163:Archived
1137:Archived
1107:Archived
1077:Archived
1008:Archived
978:Archived
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918:Archived
914:nidirect
888:Archived
884:BBC News
855:Archived
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737:Archived
706:Archived
676:Archived
646:Archived
616:Archived
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463:Archived
420:See also
234:airbombs
90:Scotland
1014:30 June
984:30 June
954:30 June
805:30 June
775:9 March
743:9 March
712:9 March
685:9 March
622:9 March
560:9 March
529:9 March
499:9 March
469:9 March
344:In the
331:History
241:Storage
86:England
835:19 May
795:GOV.UK
289:Diwali
112:, and
1047:(PDF)
1036:(PDF)
1004:Metro
727:HMG.
679:(PDF)
672:(PDF)
94:Wales
1197:2019
1171:2019
1145:2014
1115:2014
1085:2014
1055:2014
1016:2018
986:2018
956:2018
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896:2020
863:2014
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807:2018
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687:2015
654:2019
624:2015
594:2015
562:2015
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501:2015
471:2015
291:and
134:gerb
92:and
451:HMG
84:in
1213::
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Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
