Fireworks warning for local firms
Shropshire event organisers should update themselves on the latest Health and Safety rules to prevent their firework display plans going up in smoke.
Matt Reeves, who is heading up a new Health and Safety division at Newport and Shrewsbury-based insurance broker Henshalls, said bonfire and firework events were now more strictly regulated than ever.
"Health and Safety, and insurance are inseparable," he said. "All insurance policies contain a condition that the business must comply with all legal requirements and safety regulations, and this is particularly important for any organisation planning a bonfire or firework display.
"The use of fireworks is more strictly regulated than ever, and new laws impose obligations on organisers of public bonfires and firework displays.
"Whether you are holding a formal, or informal event, organisers have to show that fireworks have been bought from legitimate retailers, and conform to safety standards.
"They also have an obligation to warn neighbours well in advance of any planned activity, and must ensure that no fireworks are set off between the hours of 11pm and 7am. Bonfires must also be at least 60ft from the nearest houses, hedges, fences or sheds."
Henshalls is one of Shropshire's leading independent insurance firms, employing a team of 30 staff. It was one of three finalists in the Company of the Year category at the 2009 Shropshire Business Awards.
The company's new Health and Safety division has been launched to help local businesses keep up to date with rapidly changing regulations.
Matt urged anyone planning a firework event to pay particular attention to the latest guidelines on the availability of alcohol.
"Safety guidelines say you should never drink alcohol while setting off fireworks, but also require event organisers to control the use of alcohol by any guests or spectators.
"Many of these points may sound like mere common sense, but if anything goes wrong and rules have not been followed, companies may find they run into problems with any subsequent insurance claims."
