Advice for Cricket Clubs ahead of Bonfire and Fireworks Celebrations

If you are planning a Bonfire and / or Firework Celebration, it’s important to check that appropriate insurance arrangements are in place for your event. If you have your liability cover arranged with Brown & Brown as part of our ExtraCover policy, please ensure you review your policy documentation and confirm that you can comply with the following:

Fireworks & Bonfire Condition

If you are organising a fireworks or bonfire event at your club, as a condition to our policies, you must ensure that :

1. only category 2 fireworks that carry the CE mark are used
2. fireworks are stored in a closed box in a locked location away from children and naked flames until they are needed
3. the fireworks are sited in a clear unenclosed space no less than 8 metres from any buildings, trees, fences, overhead cables, car parking areas and the spectators cordoned off at this distance
4. any bonfire is sited in a clear unenclosed space no less than 18 metres from buildings, trees, fences, overhead cables, car parking areas and firework displays and the spectators cordoned off at this distance
5. all designated spectator areas, car parks and walkways are adequately lit
6. children are accompanied and supervised at all times by a parent or guardian
7. the bonfire is checked to be clear of anything living or hazardous before lighting and is not lit with paraffin or petrol
8. only Employees are permitted to light the fireworks and bonfire
9. you have a specific person appointed as a health and safety officer who will be responsible for safety
10. You have a written health and safety policy and carry out and record a written risk assessment for the event
11. the Police and Fire Brigade authorities are consulted at least fourteen days before the event and any recommendations they have are complied with in full
12. there are two easily identified officials (wearing fluorescent jackets or other distinctive outfits) who will manage site and crowd safety under the supervision of the health and safety officer
13. there are first aid facilities at the event provided by someone with an accredited first aid qualification
14. fireworks that have been lit are not returned to and are dealt with at the end of the event
15. any lit fireworks that fail to go off are soaked in a container of water in an area where they cannot be tampered with and disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer’s or supplier’s guidelines
16. the health and safety officer:
    1. ensures that the bonfire and all fireworks are properly extinguished before the site is left and at the end of the event
    2. visits the site the following day and any debris is removed and disposed of
    3. the anticipated attendance at the event shall not exceed 500 people in total and shall be limited to your Members and their family and friends.

Can’t meet the conditions?

If you can’t comply with the condition, we may be able to extend your cover. Please contact us with the following information about your event:

• Details of the organisers – Is it being run by the club or a third party company.
• If club members are setting off the fireworks, what training have they had and what category are the fireworks?
• Have you carried out a Risk Assessment – If so, please send us a copy.
• Details of the attendees – Is it a ticketed event open to the general public or is it just for club members?
• How many people do you expect to attend?

What to do if you don’t have liability insurance with us?

Contact your broker or insurer with details of your event to make sure that they will provide cover. If they can’t assist, please get in touch as we may be able to provide you with a quote.

If you need any advice or support please just contact us on  0800 0289 301 or [email protected].