12 replies to this topic

[David]

I really think we need a new fireworks code. The old one is very outdated, and I'll consider some of its points.

1. Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin.

This is from the days when small fireworks were bought individually, over the counter. Now fireworks are wrapped and sealed already. It would be ebtter to say " Keep fireworks sealed in their original packaging."

NEVER put fireworks in your pocket

Given the physical size of them now, except the very small onesthis isn't really valid, is it.

Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER use a naked flame

Pointless nowadays, given that the instructions on all fireworks are standardised " Insert firework in soft ground.... " IE you've read one, you've read them all. In the past instructions would differ with each firework- not any more.

Moreover, its good to know how you are burying them etc BEFORE you start the display, not to be reading one by one during the display.


Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face


A good rule, although given the very low rate of misfires nowadays, hardly an issue.


The Fireworks code also needs to be updated to include warning about the bigger fireworks- eg never use a fan battery when trees are nearby.

Edited by David, 23 September 2007 - 08:52 PM.

[Arthur Brown]

Like much legislation and several Approved codes of practise the Fireworks Code may not be the current favourite in style or content BUT If the code WAS followed 100% there would be fewer accidents and injuries.

Sparklers are still regarded as "safe" fireworks to give to children but actually there are accidents each year where people grab the burned end of the wire before it is cool! Red Hot is about 600C so 500C is no visible glow but still VERY hot.

Edited by Arthur Brown, 24 September 2007 - 12:01 AM.

[crystal palace fireworks]

Like much legislation and several Approved codes of practise the Fireworks Code may not be the current favourite in style or content BUT If the code WAS followed 100% there would be fewer accidents and injuries.

Sparklers are still regarded as "safe" fireworks to give to children but actually there are accidents each year where people grab the burned end of the wire before it is cool! Red Hot is about 600C so 500C is no visible glow but still VERY hot.

It does need updating, personally I would like to see kids at least wearing heat proof gloves and goggles before handling sparklers!

For professional firers, I would like to see clearer rules in the way of flame & blast proof clothing & full face protection if not firing through electrical systems!

[broadsword]

I really think we need a new fireworks code. The old one is very outdated, and I'll consider some of its points.

1. Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin.

This is from the days when small fireworks were bought individually, over the counter. Now fireworks are wrapped and sealed already. It would be ebtter to say " Keep fireworks sealed in their original packaging."

NEVER put fireworks in your pocket

Given the physical size of them now, except the very small onesthis isn't really valid, is it.

Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER use a naked flame

Pointless nowadays, given that the instructions on all fireworks are standardised " Insert firework in soft ground.... " IE you've read one, you've read them all. In the past instructions would differ with each firework- not any more.

Moreover, its good to know how you are burying them etc BEFORE you start the display, not to be reading one by one during the display.
Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face
A good rule, although given the very low rate of misfires nowadays, hardly an issue.
The Fireworks code also needs to be updated to include warning about the bigger fireworks- eg never use a fan battery when trees are nearby.

I still feel many are still valid.
1. Cat 3 should always be stored in a metal container regardless!

2. small garden fireworks, contents of cat 2 box. Kids would put them in they're pockets and im sure a few adults would too!

3. Loads and loads of people will buy selection boxes and a selection of fireworks and not look at them until they get them out 10 mins before firing. No forthought and will place one in a pot of sand, light it, stand back, place another one in, light it, stand back etc etc.
Not everyone takes them as seriously as we do

4. I had a 21 shot Star Burst(Bright Star) cake fail on me just the other day! tube flew everywhere and had a couple of ground bursts!

This is just my opinion though! I do agree maybe they need to be altered but i feel they are still valid!

[David]

3. Loads and loads of people will buy selection boxes and a selection of fireworks and not look at them until they get them out 10 mins before firing. No forthought and will place one in a pot of sand, light it, stand back, place another one in, light it, stand back etc etc.
Not everyone takes them as seriously as we do

The thing is, though, that all instructions on fireworks (rockets have a different one) are now identical- its a standard label.

Then there is the vauge and pointless " Emits shower of sparks" " Ejects bangs and stars " etc.

A firework should have very clear instructions and a full warning/description of exactly what to expect, including warnings about height and volume.

Whilst the code is still, technically, valid it is outdated in that it doesn't really consider the bigger fireworks available now, which is my point.

Edited by David, 24 September 2007 - 01:47 PM.

[broadsword]

Ohh yes, I couldnt agree more. More descriptive labelling should be a must!

I notice cosmic do it, why cant others. It really annoys me when i walk into the local firework seller (toy shop that sells loads of fireworks during the season) and I hear someone asking them what a firework does and they turn it round and say, "oh yes this one is just stars and bangs!" I feel like turning around and giving them an accurate description myself!

[David]

The fireworks code still talks about lighting fireworks with a Firework Lighter- one of those joss-stick style things I assume? In my experience these arn't safe. They are so weak that its hard to get the thing lit- at time you have to come up close and cup it just to get a glow. This in itself goes against the fireworks code. Surely a portfire is better??

[David]

I hear someone asking them what a firework does and they turn it round and say, "oh yes this one is just stars and bangs!" I feel like turning around and giving them an accurate description myself!

Yeah! I know that feeling! Or when a shop worker is giving a description of the firework by reading the from a catalogue... Well, I can read myself!

[Rip Rap]

The fireworks code still talks about lighting fireworks with a Firework Lighter- one of those joss-stick style things I assume? In my experience these arn't safe. They are so weak that its hard to get the thing lit- at time you have to come up close and cup it just to get a glow. This in itself goes against the fireworks code. Surely a portfire is better??

The "joss-stick" style safety lighters & the older "length of string" type were fine for the good old British touchpaper fireworks. But you're right - the safety fuse fireworks can be very difficult to light without a portfire or similar. (Is it only British manufacturers that used touchpaper??) Imo they were a hell of a lot easier to light than the imported safety fuse fireworks - especially when windy. As soon as a flame/ember merely brushed the edge of the paper, they were away.

[Mortartube]

I agree about touchpaper being so much easier to light. Unfortunately the British Standard killed it off because the timing of its burn was unreliable, so it sometimes fell outside of the specified burn times. Also loose powder could get trapped in the folds and lead to almost instant ignition in some cases. Having said that, I'd gladly see it return tomorrow. They were proper fireworks.

[pmhcfc]

I agree about touchpaper being so much easier to light. Unfortunately the British Standard killed it off because the timing of its burn was unreliable, so it sometimes fell outside of the specified burn times. Also loose powder could get trapped in the folds and lead to almost instant ignition in some cases. Having said that, I'd gladly see it return tomorrow. They were proper fireworks.

I've got one of those firework lighters from Firework Factors (via a local garden center) - Got two packs of rockets for a tenner each and got it free- It's great for lighting all fireworks + no problem in wind etc..

[David]

I think there is some confusion over what exactly is meant by a "firework lighter." Again, this is a problem with the fireworks code, it is very vauge.

A firework lighter could be a slowmatch (those old British fabric things) , one of those "Joss stick " type things, or a gas powered cigarette lighter style thing.

[pmhcfc]

I think there is some confusion over what exactly is meant by a "firework lighter." Again, this is a problem with the fireworks code, it is very vauge.

A firework lighter could be a slowmatch (those old British fabric things) , one of those "Joss stick " type things, or a gas powered cigarette lighter style thing.

These lighters from Firework Factors are 8" long gas-powered jobs. I used one last year and, to me, I can't fault them.