Fireworks
Download this
page as a pdf
Description
Fireworks are popular at events and
celebrations. As they can be unpredictable and dangerous, it is
recommended that guiding groups attend organised displays rather
than organise their own. If you do wish to organise your own
display please follow the regulations below.
Who can
participate?
Open to all
Ratio of adults to
girls
Normal ratios for activities outside of the
meeting place are required
Guiding Manual ratios
Regulations
- The Leader must ensure that all participants under 18 have
written permission to take part from an adult with parental
responsibility .
- The local Commissioner must be informed that the activity is
taking place.
- Carry out a
risk assessment for the activity.
- If hiring a professional fireworks operator, they must have
their own liability insurance that will cover injury to third
parties; request a copy of this.
- For crowd control at large events, at least one designated
steward is required for every 250 spectators (and at least two
stewards in total).
If you decide to organise your own
fireworks:
- Follow the instructions on the fireworks carefully.
- Ensure that fireworks comply with British Standards or are CE
marked.
- Ensure that fireworks state what they are made for (eg indoor,
garden or display) and are used in the setting as stated.
- Follow the advice on the HSE
website on organising firework displays.
- Inform the police, fire brigade and any neighbours of the
activity.
- One or two designated adults must be in control of the
fireworks, and no children must be allowed inside the designated
fireworks area.
- Ensure appropriate fire fighting equipment is available.
Instructor
qualifications
Not applicable
Useful
information
Sparklers:
Sparklers are a common cause of injuries and
subsequently of insurance claims. For this reason the use of
sparklers at guiding events is strongly discouraged, especially for
younger girls.
If you do decide to give sparklers to young members;
- explain the potential danger to girls
- ensure users stand far enough apart that they cannot
accidentally cause injury to each other
- ensure they wear gloves
- have a bucket of water ready to extinguish the sparklers,
and in case of burns.
Insurance information:
The Girlguiding UK Public Liability insurance
covers members of Girlguiding UK organising fireworks themselves,
but does not cover anyone else to do so (therefore professional
fireworks operators must have their own insurance).
The Girlguiding UK Personal Accident policy
covers members, recognised volunteers and anyone who has been asked
to help at a guiding event.
Useful website
HSE (Health and Safety Executive) - http://www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks/index.htm
Page last updated: 5/18/2012