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Firework safety

As part of the Government's commitment to promoting the safe use of fireworks, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) has produced a range of resourcesfor practitioners, parents and young people.

A fireworks safety campaign will run from 15 October through to 9 November 2008. BERR will be working with Fire and Rescue Services across the country, running activities to promote safe home firework displays.

It will also be broadcasting TV and radio adverts, and promoting its fireworks website. The site contains free downloadable resources for use in the classroom and elsewhere to help with the promotion of the safe use of fireworks, as well as information on firework legislation. There are specific resources for teachers in England and Wales, developed in consultation with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

The Firework Code

  • Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114
  • Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box
  • Follow the instructions on each firework
  • Light at arm's length, using a taper
  • Stand well back
  • Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode
  • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
  • Always supervise children around fireworks
  • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
  • Never give sparklers to a child under five
  • Keep pets indoors.

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This page was last updated on 23 September 2008

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