The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010

A. Fireworks

2.—(1) The manufacturer or, where regulation 7(1)(b) or regulation 24(1)(b) applies, the importer must assign fireworks to different categories according to, as the case may be, regulation 4(1) or 4(3) characterised by net explosive content, safety distances, noise level, or similar. The category must be clearly indicated on the label.

(2) For category 1 fireworks, the following conditions must be met—

(a) the safety distance must be at least 1 metre. However, where appropriate, the safety distance may be less;

(b) the maximum noise level must not exceed 120 dB (A, imp), or an equivalent noise level as measured by another appropriate method, at the safety distance;

(c) category 1 must not comprise bangers, banger batteries, flash bangers and flash banger batteries;

(d) throwdowns in category 1 must not contain more than 2.5 mg of silver fulminate.

(3) For category 2 fireworks, the following conditions must be met—

(a) the safety distance must be at least 8 metres. However, where appropriate, the safety distance may be less;

(b) the maximum noise level must not exceed 120 dB (A, imp), or an equivalent noise level as measured by another appropriate method, at the safety distance.

(4) For category 3 fireworks, the following conditions must be met—

(a) the safety distance must be at least 15 metres. However, where appropriate the safety distance may be less;

(b) the maximum noise level must not exceed 120 dB (A, imp), or an equivalent noise level as measured by another appropriate method, at the safety distance.

(5) Fireworks may only be constructed of materials which minimise risk to health, property and the environment from debris.

(6) The method of ignition must be clearly visible or must be indicated by labelling or instructions.

(7) Fireworks must not move in an erratic and unforeseeable manner.

(8) Fireworks of category 1, 2 and 3 must be protected against inadvertent ignition either by a protective cover, by the packaging, or by the construction of the article. Fireworks of category 4 must be protected against inadvertent ignition by methods specified by the manufacturer.