The Sirius Firework Co ..... FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the different fireworks categories?

There are four main categories as classified by BS 7114 : 2 : 1988.
Category 1: Indoor Fireworks ( Party Poppers etc).
Category 2: Garden Fireworks ( The majority of fireworks supplied by newsagents, toy shops. ).
Category 3: Display Fireworks ( The largest fireworks on general sale to members of the public. These fireworks must be sited at least 25 metres from spectators, buildings and other hazards).
Category 4: Partially assembled and specialist devices for professional use only. These items must not be sold to, or used by, the general public.

How can I buy Cat 4 fireworks?

Supply of Aerial Shells and similar Cat.4. devices is restricted and the supply of aerial shells and Cat.4. devices to incorrect personnel as defined below is an offence as committed by the supplier.

The persons who may be supplied with these devices are:
a) any person whose trade or business, or part of whose trade or business, is the professional organisation or professional operation of firework displays;
b) any local authority for the purposes of a fireworks display;
c) any person for use, in the course of a trade or business of his, for special effects purposes in the theatre, on film or on television;
d) any local authority, enforcement authority or other body, where that authority or body:
          i) has enforcement powers, conferred by or under enactment, applying to aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells-in-mortars, maroons-in-mortars or combinations; and,
         ii) before it purchases the goods, informs the supplier that the purchase is to be made for the purposes of ascertaining whether any provision made by or under any enactment and relating to the safety of the goods has been contravened in relation to those goods; and
e) any person whose trade or business, or part of whose trade or business, is the supply of fireworks.

Generally Aerial shells and similar Cat.4 devices can only be supplied to professionals. The supplier is committing offence in supplying Cat.4 fireworks to a non-professional.


What is BS 7114?

This is the standard as laid down by the BSI to which all fireworks supplied to the general public must conform. The standard calls for fireworks to be quality tested before they are made available for sale , have adequate delay fuses, to allow the firer to retire, and to display clear warnings, instructions and a description on the label.

When can fireworks be fired?

You can hold a Sirius Firework Co display at any time of the year. We try to consider neighbours and pets etc, when planning a display and, in general, displays should be held no later than 10.30 pm. Recent legislation has banned the firing of fireworks after 11pm and - in order to ensure all fireworks are complete by this time - we would suggest a start time of no later than 10.30pm.

Where can fireworks be used?

You can use fireworks on privately owned ground providing you have permission to do so, if you wish to carry out a display on public or common land you must have approval from your local council and if applicable the land owner.

How much space does The Sirius Firework Co need?

To carry out a display safely we need a reasonably large area which is clear of buildings, trees and any other hazards. We require at least 25 metres distance between spectators and the nearest firework, (we recommend 30 metres minimum and much more if we are using our larger aerial shells ). We ideally need a drop zone to the sides and rear of the firing area where debris and rocket sticks can fall safely.

Who needs to be notified that I am having a Sirius Firework Co Display?

As a matter of courtesy: the local police, fire brigade, local residents and livestock owners of the location should be informed. If your display is near the coast or an airport/aerodrome you should also inform the coast-guard and airport authorities. We can arrange the best way to go about this and have contacts in the CAA, the RAF and with the coastguard.

What insurance cover is required?

All fireworks displays performed by The Sirius Firework Co are covered by our own £5 million public and products liability insurance. If you are organising a public display you must ensure you have arranged your own public liability cover.  Some insurance companies will provide public liability on a 'per event' basis.  We can help you arrange any extra insurance should you require this.

How much time does The Sirius Firework Co require to set up a display?

In most normal cases, for a private or local authority display we will set up on the day of the event itself - the larger the event, the more time we need. Speak to us about your individual requirements and we will assess the set up time as soon as possible.

Can The Sirius Firework Co's Displays be affected by the weather?

The weather can have a large effect on our displays. We take many precautions to ensure that rain and moisture does not affect us - however it can put a 'dampener' on the evening - particularly for the audience.  Windy conditions can make firing a display extremely hazardous, and, for your and our safety, we will avoid firing a display in strong winds - it just simply is not worth the risk.  When you book your display with us we will discuss all of the bad weather options with you.

If there is anything you wish to have clarified, if you would like to speak to us with reference to a firework display or if you would like to comment on our web site, please contact us by clicking on the 'contact us' box above.