This article aims to clear up the distinctions between consumer fireworks that are currently available to the general public and classed as 1.3G or 1.4G.
Firstly, it is important to make it clear that the classification 1.3G or 1.4G is a storage and transportation classification - this should not be confused with categories that state whether or not a firework is available to the general public.
Fireworks that comply with BS7114 Part 2:1988 and are categorised as Category 3 (Display Fireworks) or Category 2 (Garden Fireworks) are available for sale to the general public and they will be clearly marked as such. When shopping for fireworks make sure that the fireworks you buy conform to this classification,
without exception.
It is also important to be aware of the UN transportation classification. Category 3 consumer fireworks will either be classed as 1.4G (0336) or 1.3G (0335). The purpose of this article is not to analyse the comparative performance of these fireworks but rather to elaborate on storage.
Storage - The Law and other important things you need to know
Currently the law covering the storage of fireworks is The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005. Here is a link for further reading. We recommend putting the kettle on first as this is a very long document:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051082.htm
Let's consider the legalities of the non-professional user storing 1.4G and 1.3G fireworks. In these regulations 1.4G is referred to as Hazard Type 4, and 1.3G is referred to as Hazard Type 3.
All storage quantities relate to the
Net Explosive Content, or
NEC of the firework. This is not the same as the firework's gross weight. For example, a firework may weigh 5kg but the actual NEC could be 0.5kg.
Your supplier should be able to tell you what the NEC of your fireworks is. If not, it can be estimated to be around one quarter of the firework's total weight as a worst case scenario to work from. However, this is, of course, not an exact method.
Your supplier will also be able to tell you which fireworks you purchase are 1.4G and which are 1.3G.
These regulations state that no person shall store explosives unless they hold a licence for their storage and complies with the conditions of that licence.
For consumers there are, however, relevant exceptions to this.
If a person is storing less than 5kg NEC, in total, a licence is
not required, and this quantity may be stored for an
unlimited time. It is important to note that 5kg is the total limit, which includes, but is not limited to, fireworks. A full list can be found here, Schedule 1 to the Control of Explosives Regulations 1991:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1991/Uksi_19911531_en_3.htm
As such, if you have other explosive devices you are storing such as (but not limited to) shotgun cartridges, shooters powder (not mentioned in the list, but included in the 2005 regulations) or smoke producing devices, be aware that these may be part of the 5kg limit.
The regulations also allow for the storage, without a licence, of no more than
50kg NEC of hazard type 4 (1.4G) explosives consisting solely of fireworks provided that the fireworks are stored for
no longer than 21 days and are not for sale or for use at work.
This, effectively, allows for non-professional consumers to store fireworks to use privately in the three weeks prior to bonfire night without a licence.
However, this DOES NOT apply to 1.3G fireworks.
The regulation regarding the storage of 1.3G fireworks is that if a person is storing between 5kg NEC and 100kg NEC of fireworks these can be stored for up to
three days without a licence, and must be stored in their place of intended use.
The same restriction applies if a person is storing between
50kg and 250kg of 1.4G fireworks only.
To summarise:
1.4G:- Up to 5kg NEC - store for an unlimited time.
- Up to 50kg NEC - store for up to three weeks.
- Up to 250kg NEC - store for up to three days.
1.3G:
- Up to 5kg NEC - store for an unlimited time.
- Up to 100kg NEC - store for up to three days.
Note: Where there is a mix of 1.4G and 1.3G fireworks they are treated as if they were
all 1.3G.
Disclaimer: This article is intended as a guide only. I hope the information is accurate but at all times it is your responsibility to ensure you store your fireworks legally and accept no responsibility if the information here is wrong. Please consult the above links, your retailer or your local trading standards if you require formal clarification of UK fireworks storage laws. This is NOT an official guide.
With thanks to the members who helped research and write this article.
Storing Fireworks
