Firework nights are a great way to bring communities together. But if they’re not managed properly, these events can lead to serious accidents and legal issues.

We’ve broken down the critical aspects of risk you need to manage to keep everyone safe and sound.

Plan and put together the right team

It’s important to start planning early. Whether you’re hosting a small event or a large public display, you need to put a team together and assign each person a specific role.

If you’re using a professional, you’ll need someone to coordinate with the display operator. Someone else to liaise with authorities (local councils, police and fire departments). Another person to manage crowd safety and site facilities.

Once everyone knows their role, you can streamline communication and share the workload. Together, you’ll make sure you’re covering off the key safety procedures.

Follow industry-approved guidance

These two guides from the CBI Explosives Industry Group and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are must-haves for any authority organizing a firework display:

1. The Red Fireworks Guide – for small displays ran independently. It offers practical tips on how to safely run a DIY fireworks show.
2. The Blue Fireworks Guide – for larger events that involve professional operators. It outlines best practice for collaborating and making sure everyone stays safe.

You can find both guides here.

If you’re hosting your own independent display, make yourself familiar with firework categories – they indicate the safety distances you need to follow.

• Category F1: For indoor use, with minimal safety distances.
• Category F2 and F3: For outdoor use, with spectator safety distances ranging from 8 meters to 25 meters.
• Category F4: For professional use only.

If you’re ever unsure you can safely carry out your own display, we recommend you hire a professional.

Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment

For any large event, you’ll need to conduct a thorough risk assessment. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, event organizers must assess and manage potential hazards.

The risk assessment should cover:

• Crowd safety – make sure there are enough stewards on hand to control the crowd, and that they’re properly briefed on safety protocols.
• Emergency plans – put contingency plans in place in case you have to cut an event short due to poor weather, such as high winds.
• Safety zones – have clearly defined areas for spectators, the bonfire and fireworks. Keep good space between spectators and the firing area to avoid accidents.

There might be environmental issues to be mindful of too, such as smoke hazards. In certain weather conditions, smoke could potentially increase fog density and cause visibility issues on major nearby roads.

Vet your firework operators

Even if you’re hiring professionals to conduct the display, you need to vet them to make sure they’re competent and fully insured. The right operator should:

• Understand the different types of fireworks and their safety requirements.
• Be experienced in setting up, igniting and clearing fireworks.
• Have a thorough risk assessment plan and adequate insurance coverage.

It’s important you ask for proof of their current insurance certificates before the event – they should have at least £5 million in public liability insurance.

Ensure proper storage and clean-up

The Explosives Regulations 2014 set out how to handle fireworks before and after the display. Setting up, dismantling displays, and storing fireworks all have different licensing requirements, so it’s important your team is across the legal details.

After the event, it’s the operator’s responsibility to clear misfired or spent fireworks, and that the site is left in a safe condition.

If you’re having a bonfire, make sure it’s carefully monitored. Designate a team to that area and keep it restricted – and get them to extinguish the fire properly to prevent any accidents after the event.

Make sure your insurance is up to date

Bonfire and fireworks displays are considered special events, so your insurance provider will need to update your public liability insurance to reflect the increased risk.

Any additional premium will depend on factors like expected attendance, claims history from previous events and risk management practices. Get in touch with your broker before the event to notify your insurer.

Download our resource for more detailed guidance

If you need more risk management guidance on your upcoming firework night, download our full risk control guide here.

Disclaimer

This article and related document links do not purport to be comprehensive or to give legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Risk Management Partners cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained within the article and related document links.

Readers should not act upon (or refrain from acting upon) information in this article and related document links without first taking further specialist or professional advice.

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