At Absolute Fireworks, safety is very important.

Whether your display is a huge public event, or a small bash in the back garden, preparation is essential. You need to ensure the site is suitable for the fireworks you intend letting off. Our commitment to your firework safety is based in the real world - we won't just print a picture of a "perfect" site in the back of a catalogue and leave you wondering how to squeeze it into your garden! We'll also take a look at safety distances and fall out.

LAYOUT, you should not only consider the safe distance for your spectators, but also think about where the fallout will go. WIND DIRECTION is important, we can not stress this enough. Make sure that your spectators are standing with their backs to the wind. Most fireworks have some kind of debris, it would not be too good if this landed on the heads of your spectators. Whilst it is unlikely to harm them, it may ruin the new hairstyle!

Tips on a Successful Display:-

• ANIMALS, make sure they are inside. Fireworks can make loud noises, and have bright flashes. You or I know what this is, but most animals do not.
  
• Start with noisy effects and cycles of fireworks at ground level, then low level, then effects high in the sky, back to ground level again, ending with a real flourish.
  
• Start with set pieces at the front, move onto novelty candles and batteries to high level rockets. By pre-sorting, you can have different effects, colours and noises.
  
• Follow the instructions on the labels carefully.
  
• Look at where you will set off your fireworks in daylight and think about what time you will fire them. Remember it is illegal to set off fireworks after 11pm.
  
•  Make sure you have a torch so you can read the instructions in the dark during your display.
  
• Ensure you have enough timber for static pieces, as some may need to be nailed to stakes. These should be set up in advance of the event and assembled carefully to avoid damaging the firework or fuse.
  
• Only use launcher tubes for rockets – never use milk bottles, buckets or stake them in the ground.
  
• Do not use matches or a lighter to light the fuses. Have waterproof matches to light the portfire.
  
• Do not allow anyone to smoke when handling fireworks or in the firing area when the display is set up.
  
• When setting up, follow the instructions as to how far away fireworks should be placed from each other.
  
• Allow yourself about 30 minutes before the display to make sure everything is organised and ready. Cover any fireworks with plastic bags to avoid wet from rain and dew.  
  

After your Display:-

• Keep the people away from the safety, display and fallout area until after the site is cleared.
  
• Wait until after the display is finished before collecting spent, dud or misfired fireworks.
  
• If cold, fully spent fireworks can be put into the bin.
  
• If a firework fails to go off, leave it for at least 30 minutes before lifting. It can then be made safe by immersing it in water. Wear gloves, goggles and hold at arms length when lifting.
  
• Come back the next day during daylight to completely clear the site.
  

Above all, remember:-

• Only buy fireworks marked EN14035, this is the latest safety standard.
  
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
  
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
  
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
  
• Light them at arm’s length, using a taper.
  
• Stand well back.
  
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
  
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
  
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
  
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
  
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
  
• Keep pets indoors.