• Home
• About Us
• News
• FAQs
• Links
• Contact

• A to Z of Services >
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Hazardous substances

Bonfire Safety

A BONFIRE CHECKLIST:

• DON'T PUT BONFIRES NEAR BUILDINGS
• DON'T BUILD DENS INSIDE A BONFIRE
• DON'T USE PETROL TO LIGHT A BONFIRE
• DON'T PUT AEROSOLS OR BOTTLES ON BONFIRES
• DON'T THROW FIREWORKS ONTO A BONFIRE

THE BONFIRE

• Locate the bonfire at least 15m away from other areas, buildings, roads, railways and public rights of way
• Downwind of spectators, to prevent their view being obscured by smoke and burning ashes being blown into the firework team
• A safe distance from flammable or otherwise dangerous materials (eg, petrol, liquified petroleum gas) and overhead power lines

• Use dry material with heavy bulk items forming the core of the fire, arranged so that the bonfire collapses inwards.
• Do not burn dangerous rubbish like foam-filled furniture, old tyres, aerosols, bottles, tins of paint, etc.
• Avoid light materials such as corrugated cardboard which is liable to blow about when burning and/or burnt.
• Tie the guy securely to the top of the bonfire.
• Cover the bonfire to keep materials dry.

• During daylight, check that the construction is stable and remove any unsuitable materials that may have been added. Look for fireworks, aerosols, highly inflammable materials or containers containing such materials.
• Check then and immediately before lighting that there are no children or animals inside.

• One person should be responsible for lighting the bonfire.
• Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids to start the fire.
• Use paper and solid firelighters from two or three places to ensure an even burn.
• The person looking after the bonfire should not wear lightweight clothing which could ignite relatively easily. They are recommended to wear a substantial outer garment of wool or other material of low flammability and stout boots or shoes. They need to know what to do in the event of a burn injury or a person's clothing catching fire. They need to have a fire blanket ready in the bonfire area.
• It is preferable not to light the bonfire before setting off the fireworks as stray sparks may accidentally set them off  

SERVICES A-Z

RELATED PAGES