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.
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BS 7114 defines 4 'categories' for fireworks.
People under the age of 18 are not allowed to buy fireworks, nor possess them in a public place.[1] This was increased from 16 in 1997.[2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
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.[6]
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 powder 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). [10]
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 15 October to 10 November (for Guy Fawke's Night), and from 26 to 31 December (for New Year).[11] 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.
Fireworks must not be let off between 11pm and 7am, except on Chinese New Year, 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.