Fireworks are a staple of celebration, used for different celebrations such as birthdays, weddings or national celebrations like Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve. When it comes to arranging a home firework display, you must understand the proper safety precautions, to prevent any mishaps.
During this firework safety guide, we will walk you through everything from laws & regulations to lighting and disposing of fireworks, and everything in between.
Fireworks Code
The fireworks code is a set of safety rules designed to ensure the safe use of fireworks. Following these guidelines can help to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and memorable display for everyone. The key points to follow are:
- Buy Fireworks Safely: Always buy fireworks from a trusted retailer. DO NOT buy from unlicensed retailers.
- Read the Instructions: Always read and follow the instructions on each firework.
- Set Up Responsibly: Follow the recommended safety distances found in the instructions, and ensure they are set up on a flat surface away from flammable materials.
- Avoid Returning to a Firework: If a firework fails to ignite, never attempt to return to light it. You MUST leave 15-20 minutes before soaking it in water overnight and disposing correctly.
- Keep Fireworks Away From Children or Pets: Supervise children at all times and ensure pets are kept secure and away from the fireworks to keep them safe and calm.
- Light Safely: Use a long-tapered safety lighter, a blow torch or a porta fire.
- Have Water Ready: Always have a bucket of water, a hose or sand nearby in case of emergencies or to extinguish the fireworks safely.
- Dispose of Fireworks Correctly: Once your fireworks have been used, soak them in water overnight before disposing of them in the bin.
- Be Considerate: Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or have pets.
- Display Timings: Adhere to the firework laws around time – avoid letting them off late at night, especially a school night.
Laws, Regulations & Responsibilities
Laws -
- Age Restrictions: You must be aged 18 or older to purchase fireworks in the UK.
- Authorise Purchase: Fireworks must only be purchased from licensed retailers and should meet safety standards (Look for CE or UKCA markings).
- Usage Times: You can legally use fireworks between the hours of 7:00 am and 11:00 pm, except on Bonfire Night (extended to midnight) and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year (extended to 1:00 am).
- Public Spaces: It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places such as streets, parks or other communal areas. You must use private property with the landowner’s permission.
Regulations -
- Noise Levels: Fireworks sold to the public must adhere to a maximum noise level of 120 decibels to reduce disruption.
- Category Restrictions: Fireworks categorised as F1 (indoor), F2 (garden) and F3 (display) can be sold to the public. F4 fireworks are for professional display operators only.
- Storage Requirments: You must store your fireworks safely in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials. You must adhere to guidelines set by the Explosives Act 1875.
Responsibilities -
- Consider Your Neighbours: Always notify your neighbours that you are having a fireworks display, especially if there are elderly, children or pet owners.
- Protect Wildlife: Avoid setting off fireworks near wildlife habitats or farms to minimize distress to animals.
- Clean Up: Ensure all used fireworks are properly disposed of to prevent littering and to protect the environment.
Firework Safety by Product Type
When it comes to launching each type of firework, we recommend taking specific safety precautions to protect yourself and spectators. As discussed in the ‘fireworks code’, you should read the instructions carefully on each firework before use. However, we have created a step-by-step guide to help you securely set up each type of firework for use.
Cakes & Barrages
Setup: Place the firework on flat/level ground. If you are firing from soft ground (such as grass), insert metal or wooden stakes on all 4 sides of the cake – if it is a fanned cake, insert your spikes at the same angle as the firework side. If you are firing from hard ground (such as concrete), we recommend securing your fireworks with bricks or blocks.

By taking this step to secure the firework, you prevent the firework from toppling over while firing.
Firing: To fire a cake/barrage, once the firework is secure, locate the orange fuse cover labelled “main fuse”. Some cakes will also have a reserve fuse which is to light if the main fuse fails to ignite the firework. Remove the orange cover to reveal the fuse, and ensuring no part of your body is over the firework, you can light the end of the fuse. We recommend standing sideways to the firework and lighting at arm’s reach.
Once lit, you can retreat safely (DO NOT run) back to a safe watching distance and enjoy the display.
If the main fuse fails to light, and you have waited 15-20 minutes, you can locate the reserve fuse and try igniting the firework with this.


Rockets

Setup: When setting up a rocket on soft ground, first insert the launch tube into the ground. If you want extra safety, you can secure the launch tube to a stake or spike using cable ties or strong tape. Make sure that the tube is facing slightly away from your spectators (as the stick will come back down!).
Next, you can place the rocket into the tube, making sure it can move around freely. This ensures the rocket can launch into the sky. DO NOT put the stick directly into the ground as this will prevent the rocket from rising.
Firing: After this, remove the orange fuse cap to reveal the fuse. Again, ensuring no part of yourself is over the rocket you can light the fuse from arm’s length, and safely retreat to a safe distance.
Alternate Setup Methods: If you are firing from hard ground such as concrete, you can still enjoy rockets. To set up a rocket on hard ground, we recommend inserting the launch tube into a bucket of sand or gravel, making sure it is secure and stand on its own. You can then follow the same procedures as above.
Roman Candles
Setup: Roman Candles come in all different shapes and sizes. Some come with a spike on the bottom which you can insert directly into the ground and then attach to a spike with tape or cable ties. Others, you may have to bury into the ground or bury into a bucket of sand. Ensure the firework is secure and cannot topple over.

Firing: Once set up, you can locate and peel back the orange fuse cover to reveal the fuse. Finally, you can light from arm’s length and retreat to a safe distance to enjoy the display.
Fountains

Setup: Similar to Roman Candles, fountains can be buried in a bucket of sand to ensure they are secure and can’t topple over. When burning your fountains, please ensure it is a straight fountain, and not fanned. Alternatively, you can insert a spike into the ground and secure the fountain to the spike using cable ties or strong tape.
Firing: Once set up, you can locate and peel back the orange fuse cover to reveal the fuse. Finally, you can light from arm’s length and retreat to a safe distance to enjoy the display.
Rocketman Fireworks Full Firework Safety Guide
In conclusion, using fireworks responsibly is essential to ensure the safety of ourselves and those around us. By adhering to the Fireworks Code and following the necessary laws, regulations, and safety practices, we can create a fun and accident-free environment for everyone to enjoy. Proper planning, safe setup, and mindful firing techniques not only help prevent mishaps but also contribute to preserving the joy of fireworks for years to come.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights to make your next celebration both safe and spectacular. For an even more detailed walkthrough, be sure to check out our fireworks safety video—it’s a must-watch for anyone planning a display!