Are you thinking of having a Bonfire Night display? Does this include having a bonfire and a fireworks display? Does this also include the provision of hot food other than from your usual kitchen, i.e., a barbecue or something similar?
It’s likely you will have submitted any application if required for a temporary event notice for your event, and all the licensing requirements will be met, but have you thought about the regulatory compliance risks associated with your event (fire safety, health and safety, food safety, etc.)? There are several things you must consider before and during your event – and it begins with a risk assessment. Because this type of event is not in line with the normal course of your operation, you should conduct a separate risk assessment . This will include fire safety, health and safety, food safety, etc.
Here are some of the things to include:
Event Space – is it safe? If you are having a bonfire at your event, have you marked a large enough cordon around it to ensure the public are safe? Likewise with the firework dispatch area, this should be far enough away from the public viewing area to ensure customers are safe. It should be marked appropriately so it is easy to identify where the public can and can’t go?
Water supply – do you know where your nearest water supply is? If there is an emergency can it be accessed? Do you have designated staff who are able to react?
Storage of reworks – you can only store 50kg of type 4 fireworks for a period of 21 days before the event, or at a commercial event 100kg of type 3 fireworks up to five days before the event (provided they are kept at the place for the intended use). If you wish to store more or greater power fireworks, you will need a licence from your local authority. If you are in doubt, check with your local authority.
Food safety – if additional outdoor catering/barbecue facilities are being provided then food safety standards need to be upheld. Ensure that meat is stored correctly and that washing facilities and food preparation areas are kept clean, etc.
Insurance – check your employer liability insurance and also public liability insurance, these may need to be altered to include the provisions of a rework display.
Emergency procedures – if an accident or incident were to occur, is there a procedure in place for staff to follow? Is there an emergency evacuation plan if needed?
Staff training – all staff involved with the event should be shown the event risk assessment and be given training as to the risk identified and the mitigation in place to alleviate the risks.
The Guy Fawkes tradition is like many others in Britain important to keep, and as long as events are planned safely and responsibly, they will continue to be an important celebration of our history.
