Read the manufacturer’s instructions
Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them. Familiarise yourself with the different effects produced and special precautions necessary. Ensure you have all the materials and equipment needed to set up the display, such as garden wire and/or duct tape, dry sand and buckets, water, plastic bags.
Inspect the fireworks
Inspect the fireworks before using for identifying labels, loose or missing fuses
Count the number of items
Count the number of items to be included in the display before laying it out, and again after the display to ensure that no live fireworks are left behind.
Protecting Fireworks
Fireworks not laid out in readiness for the display must be kept in a covered box well back from the ignition area. A heavy tarpaulin (not synthetic or ‘poly’ tarp) makes a good cover to protect the fireworks from moisture and falling sparks.
Many fireworks need to be partially buried in sand or soil to stop them from falling over while functioning. Use buckets of dry sand, shallow holes in the ground or sand piled around the base of the firework. Other fireworks may need to be tied to stakes in the ground.
Placing fireworks in a plastic bag is recommended to stop moisture from the ground, dew or unexpected showers from wetting the firework or fuse. The bag should be folded down over the firework just before lighting to expose the fuse.
General
When laying your display out, familiarise yourself with the fuse location on each firework and arrange them so that all the fuses are facing the same direction. This makes it easier to find them in the dark.
Protective clothing
Wear protective clothing, long sleeves and trousers, a hat, safety glasses and ear plugs (optional). Do not wear synthetic clothing as it is a fire risk. It is better if two people are involved in the display, the operator and an assistant.
Lighting the fireworks
Portfires should be used to light the fireworks, not matches or cigarette lighters.
Portfires are a device used to light fireworks that consists of a slow burning pyrotechnic composition in a thin tube that emits a small, bright flame.
Portfires burn for 3 – 4 minutes. They should be held horizontally except when being used to light a fuse, as they are likely to burn more quickly when held pointing down. Do not carry extra port fires with you, keep them in a covered container. Always keep your head well clear of fireworks when lighting them.
When lighting fireworks, bend from the knees with your body turned away from the firework as much as is comfortable and light at arms length, keeping your head well away. Walk away from the firework with your back to it until at a safe distance, around 3 – 5 metres, depending on the type of effect the firework produces.
Failure to ignite and disposal
If a firework fails to ignite do not bend over it to investigate. If this fails leave it for 10 – 15 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water overnight.
Spent fireworks should be disposed of safely.with domestic or trade rubbish or buried after soaking them in water for a few hours. Do not burn them since there can be powder residue in the tubes.
Please follow these safety precautions along with any recommended by the manufacturer and supplier and have a safe and enjoyable display.
