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Before you even think about lighting a fuse, it's vital to be aware of the legal requirements:

  • Age Restriction: You must be 18 or over to purchase F2 and F3 fireworks. Retailers are legally obligated to refuse sales to anyone under this age and often operate Challenge 21 or Challenge 25 policies.

  • When You Can Buy: For private use, fireworks can only be bought from registered sellers during specific periods (or year round from specially licensed retailer):

    • 15th October to 10th November

    • 26th to 31st December

    • 3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year

  • When You Can Let Them Off: Generally, you cannot set off fireworks between 11 pm and 7 am (in Scotland it is between 11pm and 6pm the following day). However, there are exceptions to the 11pm rule:

    • Bonfire Night (5th November): Cut-off is midnight.

    • New Year's Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year: Cut-off is 1 am.

  • Where You Can Use Them: It is illegal to set off or throw fireworks in the street or other public places, including sparklers. Always use them on private property with sufficient space.

Safety First: Essential Tips for a Safe Display

Your enjoyment of fireworks hinges entirely on a commitment to safety. Here's a comprehensive checklist for using F2 and F3 fireworks:

  1. Plan Your Display:

    • Choose the Right Fireworks: Ensure the fireworks you purchase are appropriate for the space you have available, adhering strictly to the minimum safety distances stated on the label (8m for F2, 25m+ for F3).

    • Site Selection: Pick a clear, open area, well away from houses, sheds, fences, trees, power lines, and any flammable materials. Consider the wind direction to ensure smoke and debris travel away from spectators and property.

    • Notify Neighbours: Be considerate! Let your neighbours know in advance, especially if they have pets or young children who might be distressed by the noise. Keep pets indoors.

  2. Preparation is Key:

    • Read Instructions on EVERY firework: Before lighting, always read and understand the instructions on each firework. Use a torch if it's dark – never a naked flame. If you don't understand, don't use it.

    • Storage: Keep fireworks in a closed, robust box, away from children, animals, and any sources of heat or ignition. Keep them dry.

    • Equipment: Have a bucket of water or sand nearby to extinguish misfires or safely dispose of spent sparklers.

    • Lighting Person: Designate one responsible adult (free from alcohol and drugs) to light the fireworks. They should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety gloves, goggles, a hard hat, and non-flammable clothing.

  3. During the Display:

    • One at a Time: Light fireworks one at a time.

    • Light at Arm's Length: Use a taper or a dedicated firework lighter. Never use matches or lighters directly.

    • Stand Well Back: Immediately after lighting, retreat to the recommended safety distance.

    • Never Return to a Lit Firework: If a firework fails to ignite, do not go back to it. Wait at least 15 minutes. If it still hasn't gone off, soak it in water for 48 hours before safely disposing of it (contact your local council for guidance).

    • Secure Fireworks: Use stakes, sandbags, or heavy blocks to secure fireworks that could topple over. Rockets should be launched from a proper launch tube, angled away from spectators.

    • No Throwing or Pockets: Never put fireworks in your pockets or throw them.

  4. After the Display:

    • Dispose Safely: Once fireworks are finished, ensure they are completely out, soak them in water, and then dispose of them in a rubbish bag in the bin.

    • Check the Area: Before leaving, make sure the display area is clear and safe, with no smouldering embers.

By understanding the regulations and diligently following safety guidelines, you can ensure your F2 and F3 firework display is a spectacular and memorable event for all the right reasons. Happy Bonfire Night, New Year's, Diwali, or Chinese New Year!