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Firework Safety

 Organising your display

One way to make setting up and running a fireworks display fun is to involve the whole family or community. Assign tasks to different members of the group, such as reading the instructions, setting up the fireworks, and lighting them. This way, everyone can feel like they're part of the process and contributing to the success of the display.

Another tip is to make sure that everyone is well-informed about the dangers of fireworks and how to handle them safely. This can be done by providing a safety briefing before the display and making sure that all attendees know where the emergency exits are located.

It's also a good idea to make the display interactive and engaging for the audience. For example, you can ask the audience to vote on their favorite fireworks or create a theme for the display. This will make the experience more memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help if you're unsure about something. Many firework factories offer information and support on how to set up and run a display safely. Come and see us at Slough or Reading Store!! We can provide you with the necessary resources and guidance to make sure that your display is a success.

In summary, setting up and running a fireworks display can be a fun and exciting experience for everyone. By involving the whole family or community, providing safety information, making the display interactive and engaging, and not being afraid to ask for help, you can ensure that your display is both beautiful and safe.

Setting up a fireworks display for maximum pleasure requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips on how to do this:

  1. Choose the right location: The location of your display plays a crucial role in determining how much your audience will enjoy it. Choose a location that offers a clear view of the fireworks, is far enough away from buildings and trees, and is large enough to accommodate your audience.

  2. Timing is everything: Plan your display for a time when the most people will be able to see it. For example, scheduling it during a holiday or a community event will ensure that the maximum number of people will be able to attend.

  3. Variety is key: To keep the audience engaged, it's essential to include a variety of fireworks in your display. This can include different colors, sizes, and shapes of fireworks. Using different types of fireworks will create a dynamic and exciting display.

  4. Create a theme: Creating a theme for your display can make it more engaging for the audience. For example, you can choose a patriotic theme for a Fourth of July display or a holiday theme for Christmas.

  5. Use music: Incorporating music into your display can enhance the overall experience for the audience. Choose music that complements the theme of your display and syncs with the timing of the fireworks.

  6. Engage the audience: Encourage the audience to participate in the display by asking them to vote on their favorite fireworks or creating a display that incorporates audience participation.

  7. Safety first: Make sure that the display is set up and run safely to prevent accidents and injuries. Follow all safety guidelines and make sure that everyone is aware of the potential dangers.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your fireworks display is set up for maximum pleasure for the audience. A well-planned and executed display will create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

On the night

Make sure you're prepared

To ensure safety when handling fireworks, it is important to be properly prepared. Always wear protective clothing, goggles, hard hat and gloves when handling fireworks. For added protection, consider investing in fire-retardant overalls which can be obtained from various outlets for a reasonable price. When lighting fireworks one at a time, keep them in a closed, fireproof container and only take out what you need. Avoid keeping fireworks in your pockets as sparks from lit fireworks could ignite them. Make sure the area where you'll be lighting the fireworks is off-limits to others, using barriers such as rope to keep people out. Assign someone to be in charge of monitoring the audience. Have a flashlight on hand to read the instructions on the fireworks, but never use a naked flame to do so. Fire extinguishers, buckets of sand or water should be readily available in case of emergencies. When lighting the fireworks, use a portfire or other safety lighter attached to a stick to keep a safe distance. Never use lighters or matches. Once the fireworks are lit, move away to a safe distance and never return to a lit firework, even if you think it hasn't ignited. 

So, to sum it up, safety should always be the top priority when handling and setting off fireworks. Remember to:

☑ Unpack the fireworks in a safe place away from open fires and easily flammable materials
☑ Make sure that the fireworks are separated from their packing material
☑ Light fireworks with a portfire attached to a stick held at arm's length
☑ Treat fireworks as fragile
☑ Cover firework boxes with a spark-proof material when outside
☑ Never walk or lean over the top of any firework
☑ Soak unignited fireworks in water for 24 hours before disposal
☑ Never smoke when handling fireworks
☑ Wear protective gear when setting off a display
☑ Never put used or unused fireworks on a bonfire
☑ Make sure rockets are free to rise from their tubes and take wind direction into consideration
☑ Check that cakes with angles are facing the audience correctly. Have fun but always be safe!

Fireworks catergories

Fireworks are classified into different categories based on their level of danger and the type of effects they produce.

F2 fireworks are "low hazard" fireworks that are intended for outdoor use by the general public. Examples of F2 fireworks include sparklers, fountains, and wheels.

F3 fireworks are "medium hazard" fireworks that are intended for outdoor use by professional operators. These fireworks are more powerful and produce more spectacular effects than F2 fireworks. Examples of F3 fireworks include Roman candles, mines, and shells.

F4 fireworks are "high hazard" fireworks that are intended for use by professional operators only. These fireworks are the most powerful and produce the most spectacular effects, and are often used in large public displays. Examples of F4 fireworks include aerial shells, comets, and mines.

Fireworks displays are a fun and exciting way to add some sparkle to special occasions. However, the thought of setting up and running a display can be overwhelming and even scary for some people. That's why it's important to make the process as fun and easy as possible, so that everyone can enjoy the experience without feeling intimidated.

When using rockets at Big Show Fireworks, it is important to always launch them from suitable tubes. If additional tubes are needed, they can be made from plumbing pipe, but it is important to ensure that the stick of the rocket can rise freely from the pipe to avoid explosions at ground level. The stick of the rocket is not just a support before lift-off, but it also helps to keep the head of the rocket stable during its flight. If the stick is broken, it's important not to use the rocket as it won't work properly. Keep in mind that rockets always travel into the wind, so make sure to take this into account when setting up your display and angle the rockets away from the audience and ensure there is no overhead obstruction such as trees or powerlines.

If you're having a bonfire, it should be a safe distance downwind of the firework area and must be supervised at all times. Never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start the fire, and never dispose of used or unused fireworks on the bonfire.

Types of fireworks 

There are many different types of fireworks that can add excitement and variety to your display. 

Rockets: These fireworks consist of a motor (lift charge) and explosive head. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and explode with various effects. They should be launched from a rocket launching tube angled slightly away from the spectators and any obstructions. Make sure the rocket is free to rise.

Fountains: These fireworks emit showers of sparks, crackles, and whistles that cascade back down like a fountain. A better fountain effect can be obtained if secured off the ground, for example on a board between two ladders.

Mines: There are two types of mines: a mortar mine and a ground / jack mine. A mortar mine contains a huge, powerful eruption, while a ground mine or jack mine usually starts with a small fountain or whistle effect before ejecting its stars. Both should be treated with utmost respect and buried or secured to a stake.

Catherine wheels: These fireworks usually consist of gerbs (small fountain-fireworks) attached to a round or flat timber frame. They should be securely attached to a post using a nail (the higher the better) ensuring that the wheel can spin freely. Once ignited, they emit showers of sparks and sometimes whistles, the force from the sparks ‘spinning’ the wheel round.

Roman candles: These fireworks eject various effects from either single tubes (candles) or multiple tubes fused together (candle bundles). They should be buried to 2/3rds depth or attached to a wooden stake to ensure they can’t fall over.

Cakes: These fireworks are made up of single shot roman candles all connected and fused together to make one "Cake." They can contain anything from a few shots to several hundred and fire straight up, fanned, Z-fire, W-Fire or a mixture of shapes (SIB Single Ignition). Care should be taken with fanned effects to make sure the cake is facing the audience correctly. Cakes should be secured with wooden stakes as they are often too big to be buried.

When buying fireworks, make sure you are choosing the right type for your display and that you know how to handle them safely.