Bonfires and Fireworks Displays Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Adverse weather conditions — Monitor weather conditions leading up to and during the event. Have contingency plans for delaying or rescheduling if wind speeds exceed safe limits or heavy rain occurs. Provide attendees with regular updates.
• Trip and Fall Hazards — Use cable covers and route equipment away from walkways. Provide sufficient bins and cleanup patrols to keep the site clear of litter. Inspect and mark uneven ground, and use temporary flooring where necessary. Ensure adequate lighting along pathways, seating, and parking areas, and deploy marshals to assist in low-visibility zones. Encourage attendees to bring torches to improve personal visibility when moving around the site.
• Overcrowding & crowd control hazards — Calculate anticipated attendance and provide ample space to avoid overcrowding. Deploy marshals to guide movement and use barriers to manage queues, designate separate vehicle/pedestrian areas, and provide overflow parking or shuttle services if appropriate.
• Overhead hazards (branches, wires) — Survey the event area to identify and mitigate overhead risks, such as cutting back low-hanging branches or avoiding areas with power lines. Clearly mark areas to avoid if hazards cannot be removed.
• Noise and resident disruption — Inform nearby residents well in advance about event schedules, road closures, and expected noise levels. Limit event hours and finish fireworks at a reasonable time. Use quieter fireworks when needed, provide traffic marshals, and coordinate with local authorities to minimise disruption.