Fireworks
Fireworks are widely used to mark public events and private celebrations, as well as traditional events. While adding excitement to occasions, fireworks can also frighten and disturb people and animals, cause annoyance, damage and impact on air quality.
Why worry about fireworks?
Noise
Fireworks can frighten people and animals. In particular children and the elderly can be intimidated and scared by firework noise. Farm animals have been scared to death, literally, and startled animals have been injured, killed and caused accidents when bolting. Disturbing domestic pets can also be dangerous as panicked pets can be vicious and destructive.
Air Pollution
The bright colours and effects in fireworks are produced by a cocktail of chemicals. Fireworks emit light, heat and sound energy along with carbon dioxide and other gases and residues. The exact emissions will depend on the firework, but as gunpowder is a main component sulphur compounds are emitted, along with small amounts of particulates, metal oxides and organic compounds (including minute amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans). On and around Bonfire Night (5th November), there is often a noticeable increase in pollution from particulates and dioxins. Approximately 5 -14% of UK dioxin emissions are produced around Bonfire Night – most of this is believed to come from bonfires rather than fireworks. Current research indicates that deposits of pollutants from fireworks do not pose a risk to soil or water.
Safety
Fireworks are explosive and must be used with caution. In the 2003 Firework season 1136 people received treatment for firework injuries. For information on firework safety contact the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), who coordinate national firework safety campaigns.
BERR Energy Unit
Email: enquiries@berr.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7215 5000
More information on fireworks:
Fireservice Confederation of British Industry
Fireworks and the law
Supply of Fireworks
Under the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 all fireworks for use by the public must meet British Standard BS 7114. Under the regulations the sale of fireworks to anyone under 18 is banned, and caps, cracker snaps and party poppers cannot be sold to anyone under 16. The supply of bangers, mini rockets, fireworks that fly erratically (squibs, helicopters etc), aerial shells, aerial maroons, aerial mortars, some large category 2 and 3 fireworks and all category 4 fireworks are banned from supply to the public.
The Regulations require all fireworks to comply with British Standard BS 7114 which sets out four categories:
- Category 1 - indoor fireworks
- Category 2 - garden fireworks
- Category 3 - display fireworks for open areas such as fields
- Category 4 - professional fireworks for large open areas
These regulations are enforced by local authority consumer protection/trading standards officers. Suppliers or shopkeepers in breach face a fine of up to £5000 or 6 months in prison.
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit the supply of fireworks louder that 120 decibels.
Since January 2005 the sale of fireworks to the public is prohibited, except from licensed traders. The Fireworks Regulations 2004 state that in England, Wales and Scotland fireworks can be sold by unlicensed traders for Chinese New Year and the preceding three days, Diwali and the proceeding three days, 15th October–10th November, to allow Bonfire Night celebrations, and 26th–31st December for New Year celebrations.
Storage of Fireworks
Under the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 (MSER) individuals can store up to 5kg of Hazard Type 4 fireworks (generally Category 1 and 2 fireworks) without a license and for an unlimited time. The Regulations also permit individuals to store up to 50 kg of Hazard Type 4 fireworks for private use for up to 21 days, without the need to license or register. However, although the Regulations permit small quantities of fireworks to be kept without the need to license or register, other requirements of the regulations - e.g. on storing safely - still apply.
Further information about all aspects of MSER, including information about organising a firework display, is available on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.
Nuisance and Danger Caused by Fireworks
If a local authority officer judges noise from fireworks to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, they can issue an abatement notice – however, as firework noise is short lived, in practice it can prove difficult to locate the source. Under the Noise Act 1996 local authorities in England and Wales have powers to issue a fixed penalty notice if excessive noise is emitted from premises (including gardens) between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am. Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 local authorities or the police can apply to magistrates for an anti-social behaviour order where anyone has caused "harassment, alarm or distress". Disobeying an order carries a maximum penalty of a five year prison sentence.
Fixed Penalty Notices
Throwing or setting off fireworks in the street is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875. This is enforced by the police, and a fixed penalty notice of £80 applies. Police can serve a fixed penalty notice of £80 to anyone under 18 possessing a firework in a public place and for breach of the 11.00 pm curfew on letting off fireworks.
Animals
It is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals under the Protection of Animals Act 1911. A penalty of up to £5000 and/or 6 months in prison is enforceable by police, trading standards or the RSPCA.
When can I use fireworks?
The Firework Regulations 2004 prohibit anyone under 18 from possessing fireworks, and anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks. These regulations also prohibit the use of fireworks at night (11.00 pm – 7.00 am) in England and Wales, with extensions for the following festivals:
- Until 1.00 am on the night on the Chinese New Year
- Until 1.00 am on the night of Diwali
- Until 1.00 am on New Years Eve
- Until midnight on 5th November
These regulations are to be enforced by the police. There is a penalty of up to £5000 or 6 months in prison for breach of the curfew.
Avoid firework frights!
Fireworks add excitement and glamour to celebrations and are enjoyed by many. Large organised displays are used to celebrate state occasions, sporting events and also for family celebrations. Fireworks don't have to be ear splitting to be fun. We can enjoy them in safety, without causing annoyance to our neighbours and their pets or livestock, or to wildlife. If you have your own firework display, remember that too much noise can frighten people and animals, and that fireworks cause smoke and pollution. Follow these simple guidelines to reduce the risk of nuisance.
- Give neighbours a few days notice of your display – particularly important if they are elderly, have children or pets.
- Use appropriate fireworks – when buying fireworks, try to avoid really noisy ones. Your supplier should be able to tell you what they are selling.
- Make sure pets and other animals are safely away from fireworks.
- Consider timing. If you are using fireworks for a celebration, a Friday or a Saturday is preferable, remember it is illegal to use fireworks after 11.00 pm.
- Avoid letting off fireworks in unsuitable weather – if it is still and misty or air quality is poor pollution could be a problem. Check air quality on 0800 556677 or www.airquality.co.uk/
- Let off your fireworks in open garden areas – noise bounces off buildings and smoke and pollution build up in enclosed spaces.
- If a neighbour complains that you are disturbing them, their pets or livestock, be considerate.
- After your display, clear up firework fall out and dispose of it safely.
Further contacts
Noise Abatement Society
Email: nas@noiseabatementsociety.fsnet.co.uk
Noise Helpline: 01273 823851
Membership organisation for noise sufferers
RSPCA
Cruelty and Advice Line: 0870 55 55 999
Information and advice on fireworks and animals
The Blue Cross
Email: info@bluecross.org.uk
Tel: 01933 822651
Advisory leaflet "fireworks and pets"
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