Ask Gavin: is it safe to set up a firework display at work? Help!
Ask Gavin: is it safe to set up a firework display at work? Help!
Safe Working Practices
Gavin Scarr Hall, Director of Health and Safety
(Last updated )
Gavin Scarr Hall, Director of Health and Safety
(Last updated )
This caller had concerns about the safety risks of organising a firework display for their staff. So they asked Gavin Scarr Hall, Peninsula’s Health & Safety director for expert advice.
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Ask Gavin: is it safe to set up a firework display at work? Help!
This anonymous employer was worried about asbestos risks in a building their staff were refurbishing. So they asked Gavin Scarr Hall, Peninsula’s Director of Health & Safety, for expert advice.
Hey Gavin, I thought it would be fun this year to organise a firework display for my employees. I just want to check with you if one, I’m allowed to do this myself and two, what I would need to have in place? I’m not planning on having a bonfire. I just want to let off some fireworks, maybe set up a table with a buffet and drinks. There’s a big open field next to the building that I think could be a good spot? I don’t want to put anyone at risk obviously but would love to be able to do it if poss. Thanks.Anon
Gavin’s reply was…
Hi Anon,
If you’re wanting to hold a public fireworks display, there are quite a number of things you’ll need to make sure you’ve ticked off first.
“I thought it would be fun this year to organise a firework display for my employees. I just want to check with you if one, I’m allowed to do this myself…”
This was going to be my first question. Are you planning on leading this display yourself or having someone else do it for you?
You can let off fireworks yourself if you wish, but only category 1, 2 or 3 fireworks. Only a licenced professional with public liability should handle category 4 fireworks. So, make sure you have the right fireworks for your display and they’re from a reputable supplier.
The official government website states that you can only buy fireworks from registered sellers for private use between certain dates of the year. That’s between:
15th October to 10th November
26th – 31st December
Three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year
Otherwise, you have to purchase from licensed shops. So that’s something else to bear in mind.
“…and two, what I would need to have in place?”
To be in line with health & safety regulations, you will need to take certain steps to make sure your event is safe for your staff. This includes:
Completing a risk assessment to identify any potential hazards (and considering ways you can remove or reduce those risks)
Taking appropriate safety precautions and offering your staff information on how they can stay safe
Making sure you have your plans around event management set out in your Health & Safety policy
Another important thing you should be aware of is that you cannot set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am as a legal rule. However, if you’re wanting to set off fireworks for an event like Bonfire Night, the cut off is midnight.
“There’s a big open field next to the building that I think could be a good spot?”
Now, another thing to think about is your environment. You mention you were considering the field next to your workplace as a potential site? It’s important to make sure you have a large enough display site that’s appropriate for setting off fireworks.
Avoid spots that could have potential obstructions like trees, buildings or power lines – or your display could be a safety hazard for your staff and everyone in the surrounding area.
If you scope out the field and realise this is not a suitable site because of obstructions, you can always consult your local authority or firework supplier. It’s best to consult your local authority anyway, even if just to be on the safe side. You don’t want to accidentally set up in an unsafe area that could have disastrous repercussions.
“I just want to let off some fireworks, maybe set up a table with a buffet and drinks”
If you’re going to be providing alcohol to staff at this event, then make sure you keep this area at a good distance away from the firework display. It would be a good idea to cordon off this area completely, so no one can get within close range of the fireworks.
It’s worth noting that if you let off a firework and it doesn’t go for whatever reason, don’t try to relight it.
In case of emergencies, you should also have a contingency plan in place. If something were to go wrong or an accident happens and someone gets injured, think about who your emergency contact will be.
There should be a plan in place in the event that you have to cancel the display because of poor weather, accidents, a fire, or because of unsafe, rowdy behaviour from staff.
Don’t forget to make sure exits are clearly marked and are well lit.
I know that’s a lot to consider and ultimately, this display is meant to be fun of course – but it’s important to think about every possibility and be as safe as possible. So, you and your staff can enjoy the event without risk of harm.
If you have any questions at all and would like to speak to someone directly about all the key considerations for hosting a firework display, our advisers are on hand. You can book in for a free advice call below.
Hope that was helpful and all goes well with the event! Please get in touch if you’d like more information.
All the best,
Gavin
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