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Industrialsafetytalk: Health and Safety Strategy and Risk Assessment
News Release from: Croner | Subject: Firework display advice
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 17 October 2005
Remember the risks of the fifth of
November
Many companies do not spend enough time thinking about and planning for the safety risks associated with November fireworks displays, say health and safety experts at Croner.
Holding company fireworks displays has never been more popular as a way to unite staff around one England's oldest cultural traditions Yet many companies do not spend enough time thinking about and planning for the safety risks on 5th November, say health and safety experts at Croner
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 24 Jun 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The company is advising that the dangers to the general public and staff have already begun, as fireworks are stored in preparation for bonfire night.
Croner is reminding employers of their duty of storing fireworks safely under the new Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005, which take effect for the first time this year.
The law, which came into force on 26 April 2005, reinforces existing rules on safe storage of fireworks and also introduces some new guidelines.
It states that anyone storing fireworks must take appropriate measures to prevent fire or explosion.
Should this occur, they must take action to limit its extent and protect staff or members of the public who are at risk.
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Companies purchasing large numbers of fireworks or very powerful fireworks for a commercial display or other work purpose must first apply for a registration certificate from their local authority.
Croner is alerting employers that failure to follow health and safety guidelines for the safe use and storage of fireworks could result in risks to safety, for which the penalty can be unlimited fines, and even a prison sentence of up to two years.
Trevor Davies, senior health and safety advisor at Croner, says: "The new law is a timely reminder that, with fireworks now being purchased, employers' risk assessments should include the safe storage of explosives as well as a safety plan for the actual display".
In addition, under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, any company holding a non-domestic fireworks display, from a local pub to large hotel, or a corporate event, has a duty of care to both employees and anyone 'affected by' the event.
The Fireworks Act 2003, which came in to force in 2004, has put a framework into place that allowed the Government to address a range of firework issues where previous legislation fell short.
Consequently the Act gave rise to the Fireworks Regulations 2004, which introduces a number of limited prohibitions on the importation, sale, possession and use of fireworks.
With the exception of Regulations 9 and 11 which deal with licensing and imports respectively, the Regulations are now in force.
Davies says: "Non-domestic displays, whether it is a private corporate event, or one that is open to the public, present a risk to spectators, nearby residents, pets and wildlife.
"Businesses are responsible for identifying and minimising the risk and potential nuisance created by such displays.
"Unfortunately there are a large number of accidents involving fireworks every year, especially at the hands of the inexperienced.
"Businesses must demonstrate that they have taken all possible steps to minimise the risks to the safety of their employees and those affected by the event.
"We also advise companies to follow health and safety guidelines and keep up to date with Firework Legislation".
* Guidelines for Firework Display Safety.
To help ensure displays remain safe, Croner is providing the following guidelines, applicable to anyone holding a non-domestic display.
1 - If in any doubt about the legislative requirements or ability to set up and operate a display, a professional display organiser and operator should be hired.
2 - Undertake a risk assessment to identify all risks associated with firework storage, displays and bonfires.
3 - Inform the local police, fire brigade, local enforcing authority, residents and institutions (eg hospitals and care homes) about the display.
4 - Define and control the display site boundaries (ie spectator area, safety area between the spectators and the fireworks, firing area, fallout area for debris from exploded fireworks, bonfire area and exit areas).
5 - Check the site in daylight to ensure there are no obstructions such as buildings, overhead cables and overhanging trees.
6 - Provide an adequate number of stewards responsible for crowd safety and provide them with high visibility jackets.
7 - Provide adequate fire-fighting facilities and train stewards in their use.
8 - Have at least one suitably equipped First Aid point, manned by a fully qualified first aider.
9 - Use only fireworks that are classified to British Standard BS 7114:1988 and store them in a secure, dry place with no possible sources of ignition.
10 - Make contingency plans for any possible unplanned events (eg ignition of fireworks, disorderly spectator behaviour, or the bonfire getting out of control).
11 - Prohibit spectators from bringing their own fireworks to the display.
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