Competence of organisers

Organisers of displays must have substantial experience of fireworks.

Nationally accepted qualifications are available for firework operators through the British Pyrotechnics Association (BPA). However, the Health and Safety Executive define a competent firework operator in the following way:

“A person with sufficient knowledge, training and experience to set up and fire the type of fireworks which they are to use, and clear them up after firing, in a way which will ensure the health and safety of the operator, the operator’s employees and other people at or affected by the display”.

More specifically a competent display operator will:

• Know the characteristics and proper use of the various types of fireworks

• Know the principles and practice of ignition systems

• Know the principles and practice of setting up, firing and clearing up fireworks both in relation to operator safety and the safety of others affected by these activities

• Understand the requirements of health and safety legislation, which apply to the activities of a firework display operator and firework displays

• Have received training in setting up, firing and clearing up fireworks from a competent display operator

• Have practical experience in setting up, firing and clearing away fireworks under the supervision of a competent display operator

• Ensure that people forming part of a firing team who do not have this knowledge, training or experience, work under the direct supervision of someone who has.

Both the organiser and the operator must have in their possession copies of the latest edition of the EIG Publication: “Working Together on Firework Displays” – A Guide to Safety for Firework Display Organisers and “Giving Your Own Fireworks Display”, which they must have read and understood. The guidance in these booklets must be strictly adhered to when setting up and firing the display.

NB It is important to note that not all display operators will have competence in the use of category 4 fireworks.