A rocket can reach speeds of 150mph.
Most injuries happen at family bonfire parties or private displays. Understanding the dangers of fireworks can prevent injuries and in some cases save lives.
Make sure children stand at a safe distance from the bonfire and fireworks.
Supervise them when using sparklers.
Keep everyone well back from the display.
Garden (F2) fireworks require minimum safe distance of 8 metres.
Display fireworks (F3) distance is 25 metres.
Never return to a lit firework.
Corner that section off, completely soak it in water from a safe distance and then submerge it in water.
Never throw fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed metal box out of reach of children and away from any flammable materials.
Always follow the instructions when using fireworks.
Prevent firework cakes, candles, and mines from tipping on their side when going off.
When digging the hole, you must make sure the hole is deep enough and tight enough to make it physically impossible for the fireworks to tip over.
Other techniques include placing them in a sturdy firework box / rack or using a properly secured stake, the stake being on the side that faces the audience. We advise to follow the instructions on the box of the firework, as an absolute minimum.
For larger cakes we suggest securing using two stakes on either side and then securing them to the cake, even if the box only says one stake is required.
A rocket can reach speeds of 150mph.
A sparkler can reach a temperature of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius!
That's 20 times the boiling point of water.
3 sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blowtorch!
1. Never hold babies and young children while you’re holding a sparkler – they can reach out unexpectedly and grab at them.
2. Always hold sparklers at arm’s length and wear gloves when handling them.
3. Don’t give sparklers to children under 5yrs old. They’re too young to hold them safely and don’t understand why they might be dangerous.
4. Older children can be trusted with sparklers, but need supervision. Teach them not to wave sparklers near anyone else or run while holding them.
5. Once sparklers are out, make sure you put them in a bucket of water.