The whole country is preparing to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee on 4 5 June. There are hundreds of street parties being held by the public and councils are busy preparing for the many parties and celebrations which have been planned for months. Fireworks are commonly used these days for celebrations and if you are considering holding a display it is important to consider safety of others and those in charge of the display.
Ten Tips for a Safe Event
To help you plan a responsible event you can follow the following guidelines as provided by the Health and Safety Executive. With sensible planning you should find the event and Jubilee celebrations will be a huge success.
- If you would like to be in control of the display yourself you will be able to use category 1, 2 and 3 level fireworks. Category 4 fireworks must only be controlled by professionals. You can hire someone to be responsible for the display if you are unsure. Look for firework display operatives online or in directories.
- Think about how much space you have available where the event is being held. Check to see that there aren’t any cables going across the area and there is enough space to separate the spectators from the display. Some off this area and make sure no one crosses over the line.
- Check the weather on the day of the firework display. If it is too windy you may have to call the display off or wait to a later time when the weather improves. There must be space for fireworks to land without hitting the spectators and winds could cause a problem depending on the strength and direction it is blowing.
- Consider emergency procedures and plans of action if something was to go wrong. Have a first aid kit to hand, vital telephone numbers and ensure emergency services will be able to gain access to the event. Decide who will carry out first aid, who will call the services and who will help to control the crowd. If you have decided to use a firework display operator talk to them about the emergency procedures so everyone knows the plan.
- If you have purchased fireworks store them responsibly until the time they will be used. Never place alcohol or sources of ignition near the fireworks when being stored or when they are being set off in the display area.
- Make guests and spectators know that you will not permit the use of their own fireworks at the Jubilee celebration.
- Any people responsible for lighting bonfires or fireworks should wear appropriate clothing.
- If you have a bon fire check that there aren’t any animals inside it and that all guests are not close to the fire. Never light the bonfire with petrol and don’t use paraffin.
- If the firework doesn’t go off leave it alone and don’t attempt to relight it.
- On the day after the event you should check over the event area ad pick up any fireworks on the floor so they can be disposed of safely.
Contact health and safety consultants with any concerns you have about holding a Jubilee celebration. Organisations have a legal duty when it comes to the health and safety of guests. Call 0800 1488 677 for more help and advice.
About David Cant
David Cant is a Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner extraordinaire. He has a wealth of Industry experience and is the MD of Veritas Consulting. David also Blogs about Health and Safety here Health and Safety Consultants
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