SAFETY FIRST. THEN THE SHOW.

Category F1 fireworks are designed with safety in mind and are deemed a low hazard. They typically produce minimal noise and have a low risk of causing damage, making them ideal for indoor use or confined spaces.

Examples of F1 fireworks included:

• Party poppers
• Sparklers
• Small novelty items

Safety precautions:

Even though F1-categorised fireworks don’t reach far when fired, it is essential to maintain supervision when handling F1 fireworks to ensure safety, and the minimal safety distance is 1 metre.

F2 fireworks are classified as medium-hazard fireworks. They are larger and more powerful than F1 fireworks but are still considered relatively safe when handled properly.

F2 fireworks are suitable for outdoor use in larger spaces such as public parks or fields, and they are commonly used in community events, festivals or private garden firework celebrations.

Examples of F2 Fireworks are:

• Small rockets
• Small cake barrages
• Roman Candles
• Fountain Fireworks

Safety precautions:

While F2 fireworks are designed to be safer than F3 and F4 fireworks, they still require caution and proper handling. When lighting Cat F2 fireworks outside, it’s recommended that spectators stand at least 8 metres away and ensure there is adult supervision.

In addition to maintaining distance, it is important to store fireworks in cool, dry places away from ignition sources.

F3 fireworks are classified as high-hazard fireworks. They are much larger, more powerful and capable of producing louder bangs and brighter effects than F1 and F2 fireworks.

Typically, F3 fireworks are intended for use in professional displays and public events. They create stunning displays that are visible from long distances.

Examples of F3 fireworks:

• Large rockets
• Multi-shot Cakes and Barrages
• Mines
• Large roman candles

Safety precautions:

Due to their higher hazard level, F3 fireworks require a minimum safety distance of 25 metres according to safety guidelines given by the EEA.

Only trained pyrotechnicians should handle and ignite F3 fireworks, and F3 firework displays should be conducted in compliance with local regulations and safety standards.

The highest category of fireworks is F4, and these are classified as extremely high-hazard fireworks. This is why F4 fireworks are primarily used in professional pyrotechnic displays for major events such as city New Year celebrations and special events such as concerts, weddings, and sporting events.

Examples of F4 fireworks:

• Brocade crown
• Chrysanthemum

Safety precautions:

Handling F4 fireworks requires specialised training. Only licensed pyrotechnicians should handle F4 fireworks to prevent accidents for both spectators and operators.

Category P1 miscellaneous pyrotechnic articles from the age of 18 upwards, which include, for example: ignition fuses, lighters and cords, mechanical igniters, pyrotechnic signals (mountain and marine distress signals, signal pins with ammunition, ammunition for flare guns, smoke signals, Alpine distress signals, hand-held, warning, Bengal and magnesium flares) smoke and fog generators, pyrotechnic articles for pest control in forestry and agriculture, seat-belt tensioners, airbags, circuit-breakers.

Category T1: pyrotechnic articles for stage use which present a low hazard. Some T1 articles are restricted for outdoor use only and will be labelled as T1 ‘for outdoor use only’ accordingly. These items remain available to the general public.

The minimum age limit for the supply of category T1 theatrical pyrotechnic articles is 18 years.

Category T2: pyrotechnic articles for stage use which are intended for use only by persons with specialist knowledge. The term stage use includes film and television productions, live events and similar theatrical use.

To qualify as a ‘person with specialist knowledge’ (and therefore be able to purchase T2 products) the purchaser must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the supplier that they have:

• Undertaken training recognised in the theatrical profession, in relation to the type of category T2 theatrical pyrotechnic articles to be supplied;
• Previously used category T2 theatrical pyrotechnical articles;
• Valid public liability insurance covering use of category T2 theatrical pyrotechnic articles (may be in the name of the individual or the employer of the individual).

A person of specialist knowledge also includes:

• Any person whose full time trade or business (or significant part of that trade or business) is the supply of category T2 theatrical pyrotechnic articles, for the purpose of supplying them in accordance with the regulations.

This means that distributors can buy and supply T2 products but must ensure that anyone purchasing them is a ‘person with specialist knowledge ‘as defined above (therefore, qualifying them as a T2 user).