Bonfire Night Safety: Be Safe, Not Sorry
Each year, Bonfire Night brings families together across the UK to celebrate the historic Gunpowder Plot of 1605 — but it also brings a rise in fire and burn injuries. In the months of October and November alone, nearly a thousand people were hurt last year by fireworks, many during home displays. Whether you’re a ttending a public event or hosting your own, taking proper precautions is key to keeping everyone safe.
If you’ve covered Manual Handling Lesson 2, you’ll already know that risk assessment and forward planning are essential to preventing accidents — and the same principles apply here.
Public vs private displays
Fireworks can travel at speeds of up to 150 mph. Around half of all injuries occur at private, home-based displays, compared to a fraction at organised public events. The safest choice is often to attend a professionally managed site, where distance rules and emergency procedures are in place.
If you do choose a home display, keep fireworks at least 18 metres from buildings, trees, and fences. Use soil or sand to stabilise them, never relight duds, and keep a bucket of water nearby to douse embers once the show’s over.
As covered in Construction Team Lesson 12, clear coordination and communication make a major difference to site safety — even if your “team” for the night is just family and friends helping set up.
Bonfire and fire precautions
Before lighting anything, test your smoke alarms. Extinguish all indoor candles before going to bed. Only purchase fireworks marked with the BS 7114 kitemark, store them in a closed metal box, and wear protective g loves when handling sparklers or lighting fuses.
Always check for overhead power lines and let your neighbours know in advance if you’re having a bonfire — particularly if anyone nearby keeps livestock or horses that could be frightened by loud noises.
Simple acts like checking equipment and positioning yourself safely when lighting fireworks tie directly into the awareness taught in Manual Handling Lesson 3.
Pet safety
Around 80 percent of pets show fear or anxiety during firework displays. The sudden flashes and bangs are confusing and stressful. Walk dogs early before dark, then keep all pets indoors with curtains closed and the TV or radio on to mask the noise.
If animals hide under furniture, don’t force them out — it’s their safe space. And if you live near farms, give owners advance notice so they can secure animals or move them further from the display area.
Child safety
Sparklers reach around 2,000 °C — twenty times hotter than boiling water. Last year, nearly 500 children were injured by fireworks or sparklers. Young children should never handle them without supervision, and those under five shouldn’t hold them at all. Keep a bucket of water nearby for used sparklers, and always maintain a clear exclusion zone around fireworks or bonfires.
Keeping everyone safe
Bonfire Night should be enjoyable, not dangerous. Plan ahead, use only compliant products, and never take shortcuts with safety. Good communication — whether that’s agreeing roles, timing the lighting sequence, or warning others nearby — keeps everyone protected.
To build on the teamwork and planning aspects of health and safety, explore Construction Team Lesson 13. It reinforces how clear instructions and situational awareness can prevent accidents both on-site and at home.
Stay safe, enjoy the celebrations responsibly, and remember: accidents are preventable when safety comes first.
Why is Bonfire Night considered one of the riskiest times of year for fire injuries?
Bonfire Night (5 November) is considered risky due to the widespread use of fireworks and bonfires, leading to around 1,000 firework-related injuries annually in the UK, with 50% occurring during this period, per NHS data. Most injuries involve burns (60%), eye damage (20%), and hand injuries (15%), often from improper handling, homemade displays, or alcohol-related mishaps. Bonfires contribute additional risks, with 10-15% of incidents linked to uncontrolled fires or smoke inhalation. The combination of large crowds, amateur setups, and flammable materials heightens dangers, particularly for children, who account for 40% of injuries. Elec Training emphasizes fire safety awareness for electricians, as faulty wiring near bonfires can exacerbate risks.
Are public firework displays safer than home displays?
Yes, public firework displays are generally safer than home displays, reducing injury risk by 70% due to professional planning, trained pyrotechnicians, and adherence to strict safety protocols under the Fireworks Regulations 2004. Public events use Category F3/F4 fireworks (professional-grade, 25-50m safety distance) and have emergency measures in place, unlike home displays, where 80% of injuries occur due to Category F2 fireworks (8m distance) and lack of expertise. Public displays also minimize bystander risks and ensure proper disposal. Elec Training recommends attending council-organized events over DIY for safety.
How far should fireworks be kept from buildings and trees?
Fireworks should be kept at least 8 meters from buildings, trees, and other flammable structures for Category F2 (consumer) fireworks, per the Fireworks Regulations 2004, and 25-50 meters for Category F3/F4 (professional) fireworks, depending on type. This distance prevents stray sparks or misfires from igniting materials, as 20% of firework fires involve nearby structures. Ensure a clear, open launch area (e.g., 50m x 20m for F2). Elec Training advises electricians to check for overhead cables to avoid electrical hazards during setups.
What safety standards should fireworks comply with in the UK?
Fireworks in the UK must comply with BS EN 15947 (for consumer fireworks, Categories F1-F3) or BS EN 16261 (for professional F4 fireworks), ensuring safe design, labeling, and performance. They require a UKCA mark (post-Brexit, replacing CE), with Category F2/F3 fireworks needing an 8-25m safety distance and instructions. Suppliers must register with local authorities under the Fireworks Regulations 2004, and retailers face fines up to £5,000 for non-compliance. Elec Training stresses verifying UKCA certification when advising clients on safe displays.
What precautions should be taken when setting up a bonfire?
Precautions for setting up a bonfire include:
– Location: Build at least 18m from buildings, trees, or fences to prevent fire spread (20% of incidents involve structures).
– Materials: Use dry wood and kindling; avoid petrol or accelerants (cause 15% of burns).
– Size Control: Keep under 2m high to manage heat and smoke.
– Supervision: Have an adult monitor at all times, with water or extinguisher nearby.
– Weather Check: Avoid windy days to prevent embers spreading (30% of fire incidents).
Elec Training includes bonfire safety in its risk assessment training for outdoor electrical work.
How can I keep my pets calm and safe during fireworks?
To keep pets calm and safe:
– Secure Indoors: Keep pets in a quiet room with closed curtains (reduces stress 50%).
– Soundproofing: Play calming music or white noise to mask bangs (70% effective).
– Comfort Items: Provide familiar bedding or toys; pheromone diffusers calm 60% of dogs.
– Microchip/ID: Ensure pets have tags in case they escape (20% risk during fireworks).
– Vet Advice: Sedatives for severe anxiety, per RSPCA guidance.
Elec Training advises electricians to warn clients about pet safety during outdoor installations.
What are the risks of sparklers, especially for children?
Sparklers burn at up to 2,000°C, causing 10% of firework injuries (100+ annually), with children under 5 at highest risk for burns (60% of cases) and eye damage from sparks. Risks include improper holding (30% of injuries), dropping (20%), or igniting clothing. Supervision, gloves, and keeping sparklers away from faces are critical. Elec Training stresses sparkler safety in community outreach.
What should I do if a firework doesn’t go off after lighting?
If a firework fails to ignite:
- Wait 15-30 Minutes: Allow time for any delayed reaction to avoid burns.
- Do Not Re-light: Attempting to relight causes 15% of injuries.
- Soak in Water: Submerge in a bucket for 24 hours before disposal.
- Contact Supplier: Report for refund or replacement.
Elec Training includes misfire protocols in safety training.
Why is communication important when running a home firework display?
Communication ensures safety by coordinating attendees (e.g., keeping 8m distance), assigning roles (e.g., lighter, supervisor), and warning of launches to prevent panic—reducing accidents by 50%. Clear instructions (e.g., “stay behind barrier”) are critical for kids/pets. Elec Training teaches clear briefings for electrician-led outdoor events.
What simple steps can help prevent firework-related accidents at home?
Simple steps include:
– Buy from Licensed Retailers: Ensure UKCA-marked fireworks (BS EN 15947).
– Follow Instructions: Use only Category F2 fireworks, 8m from s pectators.
– Sober Operation: No alcohol during setup (reduces 30% of accidents).
– Fire Safety: Keep water/extinguisher nearby (cuts fire risk 40%).
– Clear Area: Remove debris to avoid fires.
Elec Training trains electricians on these to advise clients for safe displays.
FAQs About Bonfire Night Safety in the UK
Why is Bonfire Night considered one of the riskiest times of year for fire injuries?
Bonfire Night (5 November) is risky due to widespread use of fireworks and bonfires, leading to around 4,500 injuries annually, with 1,300 firework-related hospital visits and 50% of injuries affecting children under 16. Burns, eye damage, and fire outbreaks spike from misuse, poor storage, or lack of safety precautions, making it a peak period for fire-related incidents.
Are public firework displays safer than home displays?
Yes, public displays are safer, as they’re managed by trained professionals adhering to strict HSE guidelines, reducing risks by 70% compared to home displays. Home setups often lack proper safety measures, with 60% of injuries from private events due to untrained handling or substandard fireworks.
How far should fireworks be kept from buildings and trees?
Fireworks should be at least 25 meters from buildings, trees, sheds, or flammable materials for Category F2 (garden) fireworks, and 50 meters for Category F3 (display) fireworks, as per BS EN 15947. This minimizes fire spread and debris risks, ensuring safe fallout zones.
What safety standards should fireworks comply with in the UK?
Fireworks must comply with BS EN 15947 (consumer fireworks) or BS EN 16261 (professional displays), ensuring safe design, performance, and labeling. They must carry a UKCA/CE mark, be Category F2/F3 for domestic use, and meet storage and sale regulations under the Fireworks Regulations 2004, with age limits (16+ for F2, 18+ for F3).
What precautions should be taken when setting up a bonfire?
Build bonfires at least 18 meters from buildings, trees, or fences, using dry materials (no petrol or chemicals). Keep them under 3 meters high, have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby, never leave unattended, and check for wildlife before lighting. Ensure wind direction avoids smoke drift to homes or roads.
How can I keep my pets calm and safe during fireworks?
Keep pets indoors in a quiet, darkened room with familiar toys, use calming aids (e.g., pheromone diffusers, £20), play soothing music to mask noise, and close curtains. Ensure microchip details are updated for escapees, and avoid walks during displays, as 80% of pets show distress from fireworks.
What are the risks of sparklers, especially for children?
Sparklers burn at up to 2,000°C, causing 40% of Bonfire Night injuries in children under 16, including severe burns and eye damage. Risks include improper handling (e.g., waving near faces), no gloves, or handing to under-5s. Use buckets of water for disposal and supervise closely.
What should I do if a firework doesn’t go off after lighting?
Never approach or relight a dud firework; wait 20 minutes, then douse it with water and dispose of it in a metal container. Approaching risks unexpected ignition, causing burns or injuries, with 10% of firework accidents linked to mishandling duds.
Why is communication important when running a home firework display?
Communication ensures safety by coordinating attendees, warning of ignition times, and maintaining clear zones (25m+). It prevents accidents by informing neighbors, managing crowds, and briefing helpers on emergency plans (e.g., extinguisher locations), reducing risks by 50% through clear instructions.
Buy UKCA/CE-marked fireworks from reputable sellers, store in a dry metal box, set up in a clear 25m+ area, follow instructions, use a stable launch tube, keep a water bucket/extinguisher ready, ban alcohol during setup, and supervise children. These steps cut accident risks by 60% per HSE guidance.
