Types of fireworks
Last updated:Fireworks which may be sold and fired by the general public are classified in the following way under British Standard BS EN 15947-3:2015:
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Category F1: Indoor Fireworks
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Category F2: Garden Fireworks
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Category F3: Display Fireworks
Category F4 fireworks are partially assembled, specialist devices for use in major displays. These must not be sold to, or used by, the general public and are only to be made available to and used by professional display companies.
Exclusion zones must be implemented in accordance with the firework manufacturer’s instructions.
Categories F1 and F2 also have the potential to cause serious injury, from burns to fatality.
Categories of fireworks (labelled with ‘F’ and numbered from 1-4), are not to be confused with Hazard Type (labelled with ‘HT’ and numbered from 1-4). Fireworks available for use by the general public typically fall into Hazard Type (HT3) or Hazard Type 4 (HT4).
All fireworks used on Council premises must be purchased and procured through reputable and licensed in-store and online retailers.
Mortars
Mortars may only be sold and fired by Professional Pyrotechnics Operators.
Any fireworks used in a display which is not fired by a Professional Pyrotechnics Operator must only be in Category 1, 2 or 3. (See above).
Sparklers
Sparklers cause more injuries on bonfire night than all other types of fireworks put together. They burn at very high temperatures and can cause serious burns to the skin and the sparks they produce may also cause eye injuries.
It is therefore strongly recommended that establishments ban sparklers from their bonfire night celebrations.