IMPORTANT

Any Educational Establishment which intends to have an organised firework display must inform the Health and Safety Team at least six weeks before the date of the display and provide a copy of the risk assessment together with a plan of the site.

You will be required to provide a written confirmation that the following points have been addressed. You should complete Appendix 1 or 2 as appropriate and complete the checklist at Appendix 3 which should be returned to the Health and Safety Team.

• The establishment must clarify who is running the display for the purposes of insurance.

• Displays are normally run by Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs). They will need to arrange their own insurance. This can be arranged through the County Council’s Insurance Section or the PTA can arrange its own insurance. If the PTA arranges its own insurance it must contact the Insurance Section to verify that the proposed insurance cover is sufficient.

When registering the display the organisers will be asked to verify in writing that they have read “Giving Your Own Firework Display; How to Run and Fire it Safely” and brought it to the attention of all persons involved in the display, and that they agree to adhere strictly to the guidance.

The booklet “Giving Your Own Firework Display”, is available from the EIG website:

http://www.eig2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/GYOFD-Red-Guide.pdf

The document gives detailed advice on such points as:

• Safety zones

• Whom to contact (e.g. fire and rescue service)

• Location of bonfires, fireworks etc

• Site facilities

• Fire precautions

• Preparation of an emergency plan

• Crowd safety

• Firing fireworks

• Dealing with misfires

• Clearing up after the display

The HSE Guidance Managing Crowds Safely gives helpful advice regarding the management of crowds and schools are advised to obtain a copy.