British firework classification
Encyclopedia
Fireworks in the UK are governed primarily by the Fireworks Regulations 2004
(under powers delegated from the Fireworks Act 2003), the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010, and British Standards BS 7114
and BSEN 14035.
Otherwise, all fireworks, since 1997, must comply with BS7114, and be marked accordingly and fall into one of the following three categories:
Under BS14035, there are also now Category 2 fireworks that require a longer distance of 8 metres, providing potentially better effects than 5 metre fireworks but without the fallout of Category 3 fireworks.
Fireworks of louder than 120dBA at 15 metres cannot be sold to the public.
It is not illegal for a firework to be set off at less than the minimum safely viewable distance; however, in the event of any injury to a spectator, the firer might be liable if the distance was too short.
A Category 3 firework will contain no more than 1kg net explosive content in the case of cakes and fountains, except for fountain cakes, which can contain up to 3kg of net explosive content.
The law considers a firework professional to be someone employed in a business that fires fireworks, such as a firework display outlet, or a stagehand. There is no legal requirement for training courses or display experience, and completely inexperienced staff can legally fire dangerous Category 4 fireworks. In practice, most stores that sell Category 4 fireworks do ask for proof of training; most category 4 professionals are trained under the British Pyrotechnists Association
Professional Firers Training Scheme (http://www.bpa-fmg.org.uk), although other training schemes are provided by some commercial organisations. Company directors are liable under the Health and Safety at Work Act for the safety of their employees, and prosecutions have occurred.
will be in category 1.3g, and many fall into Category 3, legal for public sale; however the cost of complying with storage regulations means that retailers may choose not to sell 1.3g fireworks.
Consumers may hold any quantity of 1.4G fireworks for personal use for up to 21 days; if this includes 1.3G fireworks, the time limit is only three days. If storing for longer periods, a license is required if storing more than 5kg NEC (Net Explosive Content).
, Divali and New Year's Eve
, when the period is extended until 1am, and on Guy Fawkes Night
, when the period is extended until midnight.
Fireworks Regulations 2004
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 impose restrictions on the importation, supply and possession of fireworks in England, Wales and Scotland. The regulations were made under the Fireworks Act 2003...
(under powers delegated from the Fireworks Act 2003), the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010, and British Standards BS 7114
BSI Group
BSI Group, also known in its home market as the British Standards Institution , is a multinational business services provider whose principal activity is the production of standards and the supply of standards-related services.- History :...
and BSEN 14035.
Fireworks available to the public
People under the age of 18 are not allowed to buy fireworks, nor possess them in a public place. This was increased from 16 in 1997.Otherwise, all fireworks, since 1997, must comply with BS7114, and be marked accordingly and fall into one of the following three categories:
- Category 1 ("indoor") fireworks are for use in extremely restricted areas.
- Category 2 ("garden") fireworks must be safely viewable from 5 metres away, and must scatter no debris beyond a 3 metre range.
- Category 3 ("display") fireworks must be safely viewable from 25 metres away, and must scatter no debris beyond a 20 metre range.
Under BS14035, there are also now Category 2 fireworks that require a longer distance of 8 metres, providing potentially better effects than 5 metre fireworks but without the fallout of Category 3 fireworks.
Fireworks of louder than 120dBA at 15 metres cannot be sold to the public.
It is not illegal for a firework to be set off at less than the minimum safely viewable distance; however, in the event of any injury to a spectator, the firer might be liable if the distance was too short.
A Category 3 firework will contain no more than 1kg net explosive content in the case of cakes and fountains, except for fountain cakes, which can contain up to 3kg of net explosive content.
Professional fireworks
- Category 4 ("professional") fireworks are for sale only to fireworks professionals. They have no restrictions, and this is the default category for any firework which has not been tested to confirm that it should be in one of the lower categories. Members of the public are not allowed to possess Category 4 fireworks.
The law considers a firework professional to be someone employed in a business that fires fireworks, such as a firework display outlet, or a stagehand. There is no legal requirement for training courses or display experience, and completely inexperienced staff can legally fire dangerous Category 4 fireworks. In practice, most stores that sell Category 4 fireworks do ask for proof of training; most category 4 professionals are trained under the British Pyrotechnists Association
British Pyrotechnists Association
The British Pyrotechnists Association is the trade body that represents the majority of professional firework display companies in the United Kingdom...
Professional Firers Training Scheme (http://www.bpa-fmg.org.uk), although other training schemes are provided by some commercial organisations. Company directors are liable under the Health and Safety at Work Act for the safety of their employees, and prosecutions have occurred.
Banned fireworks
- Mortar Shells: all fireworks of the "aerial shell"/"mortar shell" type, which launch single, large projectiles into the air where they explode to create effects - are Category 4. This was as a result of the deaths in 1994 of Stephen Timcke and David Hattersley who were killed by mortars on successive nights.
- Mini-rockets, bangers, firecrackers, fireworks of erratic flight (including jumping fireworks) were banned in 1997.
- In 2004 the definition of mini-rocket was further restricted, and airbombsAirbombAn airbomb is a type of firework. It is simply a concentration of flashpowder in a paper case, that is ejected into the air with a blackpowder lifting charge, ignited by a fuse. The flashpowder explodes in midair with a loud "bang" and a bright white flash. Single tube airbombs were banned in...
were also banned, in an effort to stop anti-social behaviour involving fireworks.
Storage
In terms of transport and storage, fireworks with a 'minor blast hazard', UN category 1.3g are distinguished from those without that hazard, namely UN category 1.4g. Fireworks containing more than 25 grams of flash powderFlash powder
Flash powder is a pyrotechnic composition, a mixture of oxidizer and metallic fuel, which burns quickly and if confined produces a loud report. It is widely used in theatrical pyrotechnics and fireworks and was once used for flashes in photography.Different varieties of flash powder are made from...
will be in category 1.3g, and many fall into Category 3, legal for public sale; however the cost of complying with storage regulations means that retailers may choose not to sell 1.3g fireworks.
Consumers may hold any quantity of 1.4G fireworks for personal use for up to 21 days; if this includes 1.3G fireworks, the time limit is only three days. If storing for longer periods, a license is required if storing more than 5kg NEC (Net Explosive Content).
Restrictions on sale
Except for specially licensed year-round firework shops, fireworks are only for sale for Chinese New Year and three days prior, Divali and three days prior, from 15th October to 10th November (for Guy Fawke's Night), and from 26th to 31st December (for New Year). Typically supermarkets and other general retail outlets sell fireworks in the October-November period, but do not sell at the other periods in most areas.Curfews
Fireworks must not be let off between 11pm and 7am, except on Chinese New YearChinese New Year
Chinese New Year – often called Chinese Lunar New Year although it actually is lunisolar – is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is an all East and South-East-Asia celebration...
, Divali and New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies, New Year's Eve is often celebrated at social gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to mark the...
, when the period is extended until 1am, and on Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night and Firework Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in England. Its history begins with the events of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding...
, when the period is extended until midnight.