Fireworks displays and bonfire nights are often highly anticipated events within communities. With proper planning and effective risk management, they can be enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons. However, it’s important to remember that they require responsible planning to ensure everyone’s safety. Whether you’re organising a major public event or a smaller local display for a school, sports club, or parish council, having a clear plan is essential.
At WRS Insurance Brokers, we want to help charities and community groups manage the risks involved, making sure your event goes off with a bang for all the right reasons. Below, the Charity Insurance team have outlined key tips and considerations for both smaller and larger firework displays according to the Health and Safety Executive.
Before the Event
Choosing an Operator
If you’re handling the fireworks yourself, ensure that you only use fireworks in categories 1, 2, and 3. Category 4 fireworks should only be used by professional operators.
Site Suitability
Ensure the site is large enough for both the display and the spectators. Check for obstructions like power lines, and consider the direction of the wind.
Prepare for any Emergencies
Assign someone to call emergency services if needed, everyone involved should know what to do in case something goes wrong.
Buying Fireworks
Only purchase fireworks from reputable suppliers. Make sure you also have a safe place to store them—your supplier or local authority can offer advice on this.
Working with Professionals
If you’re hiring a professional fireworks operator, be clear about roles and responsibilities, especially in the event of an emergency.
Alcohol Sales
If you plan to sell alcohol, ensure the bar is located well away from the fireworks display area.
On the Day of the Event
Final Site Checks
Recheck the site, weather conditions, and wind direction before the display begins.
Safety Zones
Ensure no one, apart from the firing team, enters the safety zone or the area where the fireworks will fall. Safety barriers should be in place to protect spectators.
Firework Restrictions
Do not allow spectators to bring their own fireworks, and discourage them from bringing alcohol into the event area.
Bonfire Safety
If you’re lighting a bonfire, check that it is stable and free of children or animals. Use only one person to light it, and avoid using petrol or paraffin. Ensure the person lighting the bonfire wears flame-resistant clothing and knows what to do in case of a burn injury.
Handling Fireworks
Never attempt to relight failed fireworks. Keep well away from any that have not gone off.
The Morning After
The following day, inspect the site in daylight to collect any spent fireworks, sparklers, or other hazardous items. You may also consider extending the clean-up by involving additional volunteers.
Additional Considerations for Major Displays
If you’re organising a large public display, especially one involving professional fireworks or large crowds, your planning needs to be more robust. Here are some additional steps to consider:
Clear Areas: Mark out distinct zones for spectators, the fireworks firing zone, and a safety buffer area around it.
Crowd Management: Mark exit routes and keep pedestrian and vehicle routes separate. Make sure emergency vehicles can access the site.
Staffing: Appoint enough marshals to manage the crowd and ensure they are trained for emergencies.
Emergency Services: Contact your local authority and emergency services in advance. If your site is near an airport, notify them as well.
First Aid: Set up and signpost first aid stations.
Timing is another crucial factor. In line with the Noise Act 1996, fireworks cannot be let off between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., except for the following occasions:
Diwali night—until 1 a.m.
Bonfire Night—until midnight
New Year’s Eve—until 1 a.m.
Chinese New Year—until 1 a.m.
Insurance
When planning an event, insurance is a vital consideration. For large events (over 100 attendees), it’s important to notify your insurance broker. The reason for this is the larger the crowd, the higher the potential for accidents, injuries, or property damage. This can increase the risk profile of your event, and insurers need to assess whether the existing cover is adequate for the additional exposure. The type of insurance that usually covers this
Employer’s Liability Insurance
If you have employees or volunteers, you are legally required to hold Employer’s Liability insurance. This covers you against claims for injury or disease arising from their work at the event.
Public Liability Insurance
While not required by law, Public Liability insurance is strongly recommended for any organisation hosting an event. This will protect you from claims by third parties for injury or damage. Many trade associations and professional bodies require this insurance as a condition of membership. For those using professional-grade fireworks or pyrotechnics (categories F4, T2, or P2), product safety laws mandate that public liability insurance must be in place.
Firework displays can be a memorable way to celebrate community and charitable events, but safety should always be the top priority. By following these guidelines and ensuring you have the appropriate insurance cover, you can make sure your event is not only a success but a safe one too.
For more detailed guidance on firework displays, you can refer to publications by the Health and Safety Executive.
About WRS
At WRS Insurance Brokers, we are specialists in Charity Insurance and Social Enterprise Insurance. As a business with a strong social conscience, we’re passionate about supporting the work of organisations that make a difference.
WRS is proudly part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, international family of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes.
We’re here to support charities and community groups with expert advice and tailored insurance solutions. Feel free to contact us for more information or to discuss your insurance needs at 01206 760780 or you can email hello@wrsinsurance.co.uk.