Don’t let your profits go up in smoke
1 November 2007
MORE TH>N BUSINESS is urging retailers of fireworks to pay close attention to safety precautions and legal requirements when storing explosives in the run up to Bonfire Night celebrations this 5th November.
In recent years there have been a number of incidents in which the improper storage of fireworks has led to explosions, serious injuries and in some cases even fatalities. This has resulted in a tightening of the laws surrounding the correct storage of fireworks, including reworked guidelines by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).To help retailers stay within the law, and to ensure they stay covered should they need to make an insurance claim, MORE TH>N BUSINESS has compiled a list of top tips on the safe storage of fireworks:
1. Ensure that you do not exceed the maximum permitted volume of fireworks for your premises.
Up to 250kg may be stored in a locked metal container
Any more (up to 1,000kg) must be stored in a separate spark-proof store building, detached from any dwelling and constructed of brick, stone, concrete or iron.
The volume of fireworks permitted on the shop floor is dependent on the size of the publicly accessible sales area. This ranges from 12.5kg in 20m2, to 75kg in a 500m2 sales area.
2. Where there are five or more employees, a full risk assessment must be carried out and documented.
3. Up to 12.5kg of fireworks may be kept in showcases, containers, cupboards or drawers, but these must remain locked shut to prevent unauthorised access. Electrical fittings in such cabinets should be disconnected.
4. Glass showcases must not be displayed in shop windows.
5. Sources of ignition and flammable materials should be kept at safe distance. This includes smoking.
6. All fireworks sold should comply with British Standards BS 7714: Part 2: 1988.
7. Matches are not fireworks and should not be stored with them.
8. Sparklers are fireworks and should be stored in the same way as other fireworks.
9. If more than 75kg of fireworks is being stored, a fire detection system should be fitted to protect anyone living in the vicinity. Access routes should also be provided that are separate from the store, and such a store should be closed off to prevent unauthorised access.
10. Most importantly, retailers must ensure they have obtained the correct licence from the local authority under the Firework Regulations 2004.
Mike Bowman, Head of MORE TH>N BUSINESS, commented: “It is imperative that retailers of fireworks ensure that they are operating in accordance with all legal requirements and guidelines to make certain they stay covered by their insurance for any eventuality.“
MORE TH>N BUSINESS recommends that retailers not only follow the guidelines offered here, but also familiarise themselves with the detailed guidance offered by the HSE, and the requirements of their individual insurance policies.”
For further information on MORE TH>N BUSINESS, visit morethanbusiness.com.
