Always Follow the Firework Code

• It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18
• Ensure that all children are supervised
• Read instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER use a naked flame
• Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or firework lighter
• Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face
• Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin
• Use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately
• NEVER throw fireworks
• NEVER put fireworks in your pocket
• Take care with sparklers, wear suitable gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished
• NEVER give sparklers to a child under 5
• Keep all pets and animals indoors
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Only buy CE marked fireworks

Be Safe Not Sorry

Firing Fireworks Safety Guidelines

Watching fireworks can be great fun especially for children. But figures show that more often than not, it is children rather than adults who get hurt by fireworks. Over the past five years over 350 pre-school children, some as young as one year old, were treated in hospital for firework injuries.
Follow our easy check list for a safe home firework display. Stay Safe and Have Fun.

Before the Display

• Only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer . The correct licenses should be on show or available at the shop
  • Mackays of Cambridge Ltd have invested in a all year round licence to sell Fireworks, and we work closely with Trading Standards.
• Check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of garden and meet the current CE regulations. A CE mark will be displayed on each product.
• Please inform neighbours and be aware of their concerns, pets especially can easily become very upset.
• Thoroughly read the instructions printed on the fireworks in daylight and have all necessary safety equipment to hand. It is always a good idea to have a bucket of water filled and ready to use to hand.
• A responsible adult should be clearly identified as the person setting off the fireworks.
• It is advisable to have a torch for checking instructions and for the ease of locating the firework fuse
• Please wear suitable eye protection and suitable gloves (if you don’t have any we do have them for sale at low cost).
• Buckets of soft earth or sand to stick fireworks into will provide a safe stable environment for setting off fireworks.
• Suitable strong supports for Catherine Wheels and proper rocket launchers are advised.

During the Display

• Don't set off noisy fireworks late at night . It is the law that you must not set off fireworks after 11pm, except for:
  • Bonfire Night, when the cut off is 12 midnight.
  • New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when the cut off time is 1am.
• It is strongly advised that you do not drink alcohol before setting off fireworks.
• Light fireworks at arm's length with a taper or portfire .
• Stand well back and keep others back.
• See individual fireworks for safety instructions.
  • Cat 2 fireworks indicate a safe distance to be 8 metres .
  • Cat 3 Fireworks indicate a safe distance of 25 metres .
• NEVER go back to a lit firework. If it fails to go off, leave it and much later throw water over it.
• NEVER put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• ALWAYS make sure that children are supervised.
• ALWAYS store fireworks in a metal box and keep it closed whilst other fireworks are going off.
• ALWAYS keep pets indoors.

After the Display

• Use tongs or suitable gloves to collect spent fireworks and put them into water to make sure they are completely out.
• Do not allow children to play with spent fireworks as the chemicals are potentially harmful if transferred from firework to hand to mouth.

Sparklers

• Are unsuitable for children under five. Children MUST be supervised whilst they are being used.
• Light one at a time.
• Wear suitable gloves when holding sparklers just imagine what they could do to a young unprotected hand.
• Put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of sand or water.

Bonfires

• Should be at least 18 metres / 60 ft (preferably more) away from houses, sheds or fences.
• Do use domestic firelighters.
• NEVER use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids. YOUR EYESIGHT IS VALUABLE TO YOU.
• If possible have a garden hose available and ready for use. If a hose isn't available have buckets of water to hand.

Have a wonderful time with your fireworks, in the right hands and treated with respect they are fantastic!