Bonfires and Fireworks Displays Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Burns from sparklers — Designate a supervised area for sparklers and limit distribution to children under adult supervision. Provide buckets of water for disposal and offer protective gloves for handling sparklers.
• Firework Fallout — Establish and clearly mark a safe fallout zone downwind of the firing area and ensure it is free of spectators. Use weather forecasts to assess wind direction and adjust firing layouts accordingly. Encourage the use of biodegradable fireworks when possible and conduct a thorough post-event cleanup to remove debris.
• Wildlife disturbance — Schedule the event away from sensitive habitats and nesting seasons. Use quieter fireworks if near wildlife areas and monitor for any adverse impacts during and after the event.
• Chemical hazards from fireworks — Ensure only licensed fireworks compliant with safety standards are used. Store and handle them in accordance with manufacturer guidelines to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Food vendor hygiene issues — Require all food vendors to have valid hygiene certifications and provide proof of insurance. Conduct onsite inspections before the event starts to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety regulations. Provide adequate waste disposal facilities nearby.