Fireworks can be enjoyable provided they are stored and used safely and responsibly.

Please follow these links for general guidance on firework safety:

DTI Fireworks safety campaign site

British Pyrotechnists Associaiton and CBI Explosives Industry Group website

UK firework safety website

Legal requirements

The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 permit you to keep up to 50 kg (net) of Hazard type 4 fireworks provided that these are not for use at work. This is intended to assist private individuals and voluntary organisations that wish to organise a larger firework display. (Hazard type 4 fireworks are the types of less powerful fireworks generally sold at retailers - these provisions do not apply to Category 4 fireworks and may not apply to certain more powerful Category 3 fireworks). If you are in doubt please check with your supplier or with your local licensing authority. Please note that the requirements of the regulations to store the fireworks safely will continue to apply.

The Health & Safety at Work act 1974 and subsidiary legislation covers firework displays which involves a work activity (ie where at least one person will be involved on a professional basis). This legislation places duties in respect of the health and safety of everyone involved in arranging and giving the display, the spectators and other people near the display site.

If you are organising a firework display please go to Organising a firework display for further guidance.

Selling fireworks

HSE has published guidance for retailers on storing and selling fireworks safely:

There is also a risk assessment checklist to help when doing your risk assessment: