Fireworks are explosives and it is important to use them safely so that your event remains a fun one. The Health & Safety executive (HSE) produce two guides for people planning firework displays. The first, "Working together on firework displays" (HSG123 ISBN 0-7176-2478-1) is for people planning to use a firework company like Quicksilver to fire the display for them and includes information on a wide range of subjects, but is mainly aimed at traditional bonfire night displays. The second guide "Giving your own firework display" (HSG124 ISBN 0-7176-0836-0) is aimed at those of you wanting to fire your own display and again is aimed mainly at traditional bonfire night displays.

Plan your display well in advance and let people (e.g. Neighbours) know about it in advance as they are less likely to complain if this is the case. Better still, invite them along!

Buy your fireworks for a DIY display a couple of weeks in advance and take some time to read the instructions and make sure that you have all the equipment that you require for the display (e.g. stakes to secure Roman Candles to & posts for Catherine Wheels). Make sure you only buy fireworks that meet the British Standard. These will have a label stating that they comply with BS7114:Part 2: 1988. All of the fireworks that we sell or use meet this standard. Work out the order of your display and draw up a plan.

If you live near the coast you should let the Coastguard know about the display and avoid starting with all the red fireworks or you might find six angry lifeboatmen at the bottom of the garden. Also if you want to avoid an RAF Tornado returning fire you should check that you are not firing your rockets under the approach to an airport. If you are unsure about how far away you need to be you can ring the Air Traffic Controllers at the airport, they are usually very helpful, and on some of Quicksilver's larger shows they will be letting approaching pilots know what is going off nearby.

On the night, make sure that things have not changed since you planned your display. If for example the wind is blowing from a different direction then you may have to move the audience or they may end up feeling like the cast of a Strongbow advert as they stand in the fallout area for your rocket sticks.

After the show is over make sure that you tidy up properly and that you haven't missed lighting any of the fireworks, it's easy to do in the dark when there is a lot happening.

If you are having a party, remember to avoid having a drink until after you have finished letting off the fireworks and remember not to smoke while handling them.