Storage and Display of Fireworks in a Retail
Environment
Small quantities of fireworks can also be kept in the sales area
where the public have access. Fireworks on the shop floor must be
kept:
- In closed display cases, storage cupboards or cabinets;
- In a designated area well away from sources of ignition (for
example, naked flames and portable heaters); and
- Smoking must not be allowed anywhere where fireworks are stored
or sold. ‘No Smoking’ notices should be displayed.
Display cases and cabinets must:
- Be made of a material that doesn't readily catch fire, such as
wood or metal;
- Be completely enclosed on all sides. This includes not having
any gaps in the sides of the cabinets and having backs on
counters;
- Be designed to protect against sparks and other sources of
ignition;
- Not permit unauthorised access to the fireworks by members of
the public (normally, this would mean using lockable cases that are
locked when unattended);
- Not be used to store any goods other than fireworks;
- Not contain lights or other electrical fittings (such fittings
must be disconnected and measures taken to prevent the apparatus
being inadvertently reconnected);
- Be kept clean and dry; and
- Be located in a position such that there is no obstruction of
fire escape routes.
Live fireworks must not be kept on open display or in shop
windows.
Small quantities of party poppers, toy caps and Christmas crackers
may be kept on open display in their retail packaging as they
usually contain such small amounts of explosive.
How much may I keep in the sales area?
You must ensure that only safe levels of fireworks are kept in
the sales area. In any event, the amount on the shop floor must not
exceed the levels set out in the following table:
| Total floor area of the sales area (square meters) |
Quantity (NM kg) |
| Up to 20 |
12.5 |
| Up to 40 |
15 |
| Up to 60 |
20 |
| Up to 80 |
25 |
| Up to 100 |
30 |
| Up to 150 |
35 |
| Up to 200 |
40 |
| Up to 250 |
45 |
| Up to 300 |
50 |
| Up to 350 |
55 |
| Up to 400 |
60 |
| Up to 450 |
65 |
| Up to 500 |
70 |
| Over 500 |
75 |
It must be stressed that these are the maximum quantities that
may be kept. In certain circumstances, for example, where
significant quantities of flammable materials are present, then the
amount that may be stored will be reduced.
Fireworks must be divided between storage cabinets or display
cases, each holding no more than 12.5kg NM.
