Fireworks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Fireworks are widely used to mark public and private celebrations, as well as traditional events. While adding excitement to occasions, fireworks can also frighten and disturb people and animals, cause annoyance, damage and impact on air quality.
Noise
Fireworks can frighten people and animals. In particular children and the elderly can be intimidated and scared by firework noise. Farm animals have been scared to death, literally, and startled animals have been injured, killed and caused accidents when bolting. Disturbing domestic pets can also be dangerous as panicked pets can be vicious and destructive.
Air Pollution
The bright colours and effects in fireworks are produced by a cocktail of chemicals. Fireworks emit light, heat and sound energy along with carbon dioxide and other gases and residues. The exact emissions will depend on the firework, but as gunpowder is a main component sulphur compounds are emitted, along with small amounts of particulates, metal oxides and organic compounds (including minute amounts of poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans). On and around Bonfire Night (November 5th), there is often a noticeable increase in pollution from particulates and dioxins. Approximately 14% of UK dioxin emissions are produced around Bonfire Night - most of this coming from bonfires rather than fireworks. Current research indicates that deposits of pollutants from fireworks do not pose a risk to soil or water.
Safety
Fireworks are explosives and must be used with caution. In the 2003 Fireworks season 1136 people received treatment for firework injuries. For information on firework safety contact the Department of Trade and Industry, who co-ordinate national firework safety campaigns.
What is the law on the supply of fireworks?
Under the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 all fireworks for use by the public must meet British Standard BS7114. Under these regulations the sale of fireworks to anyone under 18 is banned, and of caps, cracker snaps and party poppers to anyone under 16. The supply of bangers, mini rockets, fireworks that fly erratically (squibs, helicopters etc) ariel shells and maroons and mortars and some large powerful display fireworks are banned from supply to the public. These regulations are enforced by local authority consumer protection / trading standards officers. Suppliers / shopkeepers in breach face a fine of up to £5000 / 6 months prison.
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 (this is an external hyperlink) prohibit the supply of fireworks louder than 120 decibels.
Since January 2005 the sale of fireworks to the public is prohibited, except from licensed traders. The Fireworks Regulations 2004 (this is an external hyperlink) state that in England, Wales and Scotland fireworks can be sold by unlicensed traders for Chinese New Year and the preceding three days, Diwali and the preceding three days and 15th October - 10th November, to allow Bonfire Night celebrations.
Storage of fireworks
Under the Control of Explosives Regulations 1991 (this is an external hyperlink) it is an offence to keep fireworks (except those for private use) on premises that have not been registered for this purpose. Individuals can store fireworks for private use for up to 14 days provided they are kept in a safe place.
What laws cover nuisance and danger caused by fireworks?
If a local authority officer judges noise from fireworks to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, they can issue an abatement notice - however, as firework noise is short lived, in practice it can prove difficult to locate the source. Under the Noise Act 1996 (this is an external hyperlink) local authorities in England and Wales have powers to issue a fixed penalty notice if excessive noise is emitted from premises (including gardens) between 11pm and 7 am. Although this has not been adopted by Fareham Borough Council. Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (this is an external hyperlink) local authorities have the power to issue an anti-social behaviour order to anyone causing 'harassment, alarm or distress'. Disobeying an order carries a prison sentence of up to five years.
Fixed Penalty Notices
Throwing or setting off fireworks in the street is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875. This is enforced by the police and a fixed penalty notice of £80 applies. Police can enforce a fixed penalty notice of £80 to anyone under 18 possessing a firework in a public place and for breach often 11pm curfew on letting off fireworks.
Animals
It is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals under the Protection of Animals Act 1911. A penalty of up to £5000 and/or 6 months in prison is enforceable by police, trading standards or the RSPCA.
When can I use fireworks?
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 (this is an external hyperlink) prohibit anyone under 18 from possessing fireworks, and anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks. These regulations also prohibit the use of fireworks at night (11pm - 7am) in England and Wales, with extensions for the following festivals:
- until 1,00 am on the night of the Chinese New Year
- until 1.00 am on the night of Diwali
- until 1.00 am on New Year's Eve
- until midnight on 5th November.
These regulations re to be enforced by the police. There is a penalty of up to £5000 or 6 months in prison for breach of the curfew.
Enjoy fireworks safely without causing annoyance
Fireworks add excitement and glamour to celebrations and are enjoyed by many. Large organised displays are used to celebrate state occasions, sporting events and also for family celebrations. Fireworks don't have to be ear splitting to be fun. We can enjoy them in safety, without causing annoyance to our neighbours and their pets or livestock, or to wildlife. If you have your own firework display, remember that too much noise can frighten people and animals, and the fireworks cause smoke and pollution. Follow these simple guidelines to reduce the risk of nuisance.
- Give neighbours a few days notice of your display - particularly important if they are elderly, have children or pets.
- Use appropriate fireworks - when buying fireworks, try to avoid really noisy ones. Your supplier should be able to tell you what they are selling.
- Make sure pets and other animals are safety away from fireworks.
- Consider timing. If you are using fireworks for a celebration, a Friday or Saturday is preferable, and make sure they ar over by 11 pm.
- Avoid letting off fireworks in unsuitable weather - if it is still and misty or air quality is poor pollution could be a problem. Strong winds can be hazardous. Check air quality on 0800 556677 or www.airquality.co.uk (this is an external hyperlink)
- Let of your fireworks in an open garden area - noise bounces off buildings and smoke and pollution can build up in enclosed spaces.
- If a neighbour complains that you are disturbing them, their pets or livestock, be considerate.
- After your display, clear up firework fallout and dispose of it safely.
Further Contacts
Nose Abatement Society - www.noiseabatementsociety.com (this is an external hyperlink), nas@noiseabatementsociety.com
Noise Helpline 01273 878782 - Membership organisation for noise sufferers.
RSPCA - www.rspca.org.uk (this is an external hyperlink) tel: 0870 55599 - Information and advice on fireworks and animals.
The Blue Cross - www.bluecross.org.uk (this is an external hyperlink) - tel: 01933 822651 - Advisory leaflet 'fireworks and pets'.
Hampshire Trading Standards www.hants.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink) tel: 084 5630 081 for information for traders and on safety issues.
This information was taken from a leaflet produced by the NSCA (this is an external hyperlink) 44 Grand Parade, Brighton, BN2 9QA. Telephone 01273 878770, email info@nsca.org.uk, (this is an external hyperlink) or visit www.nsca.org.uk (this is an external hyperlink) . The NSCA (this is an external hyperlink) is the environmental protection charity supported by pollution control professionals.
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