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Bonfire Night can be an enjoyable occasion for residents, families and staff, but fireworks and bonfires introduce additional risks that care providers need to consider carefully.
If your care home or care service is planning a Bonfire Night celebration, review the risks before the event takes place. This should include fire safety, the location of any fireworks or bonfire, resident mobility and supervision, emergency procedures, staff responsibilities plus whether your insurance arrangements place any conditions on the activity.
For some care providers, attending an organised public display or arranging a professional display may be a safer alternative to holding their own event. Government and fire service guidance recommends organised displays as the safer option.
If you are planning an event involving fireworks or a bonfire, you should consider whether your existing risk assessments adequately address the additional hazards created by the event.
A care environment can present particular challenges because some residents may need assistance in an emergency. Government fire safety guidance specifically recognises that many people in residential care premises may require help to reach a place of safety.
Your planning should therefore consider the needs of the people you support rather than treating the event in the same way as a private garden display.
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The precise arrangements will depend on your service, premises and the type of event being planned, but areas to consider include:
This should be proportionate to the event and the risks involved.
Fireworks are explosives and should always be handled carefully.
Current Government guidance says fireworks should be stored in a closed box, used one at a time and lit at arm's length using the taper provided. People should stand well back once a firework has been lit and should never return to a lit firework, even if it appears not to have gone off.
If sparklers are being used, they also require careful supervision. Government guidance says children under five should not be given sparklers, while gloves should be worn when handling them.
For care providers, the individual needs and capabilities of residents should always form part of the decision about whether participation is appropriate.
In England, Scotland and Wales, adult fireworks cannot be purchased by anyone under 18. Category 4 fireworks are restricted to professionals.
Fireworks must not normally be set off between 11pm and 7am. On Bonfire Night, 5 November, the cut off is extended until midnight. Local rules may also apply.
Care providers should also ensure fireworks are purchased from an appropriate registered or licensed seller.
Are bonfires safe at care homes?
A bonfire introduces another significant source of fire risk, so consider carefully whether having one is necessary.
London Fire Brigade say if a bonfire is planned, it should be positioned well away from buildings, sheds, fences, trees and other combustible materials. It should never be left unattended, while petrol or paraffin should never be used to light it.
Care providers should also consider smoke, wind direction, resident safety, accessibility and how the area will be secured.
Do not assume that your insurance automatically covers every Bonfire Night activity.
Insurance policies vary. The circumstances of the event, the activities taking place plus any relevant policy terms, conditions or exclusions could affect the cover available.
If you are planning fireworks, a bonfire or a larger event at your care premises, speak to your insurance broker in advance.
Explain what you are planning and ask whether there are any insurance requirements or precautions you need to consider.
This is particularly important if you are bringing in an external company to provide the display. You should understand who is responsible for what and check that appropriate insurance arrangements are in place.
Bonfire Night is not enjoyable for everyone.
Loud noises, bright flashes and changes to normal routines may cause distress for some residents or service users.
Consider providing an alternative indoor space away from the display, while ensuring appropriate staffing remains available for people who choose not to participate.
This is another reason why planning should start with the people you support rather than simply the event itself.
Bonfire Night can also provide a useful prompt to look beyond the event itself.
Ask whether your current fire risk assessment accurately reflects your premises, residents, working practices and current fire safety arrangements.
In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order places duties on the Responsible Person for relevant premises. Government guidance specifically covers residential care premises where residents may require staff assistance to reach safety in the event of a fire.
If your organisation has changed significantly since its assessment was completed, or you are uncertain whether existing controls remain appropriate, it may be time for a review.
Bonfire Night can be an enjoyable opportunity to bring residents, families and staff together, but the additional risks need to be planned for.
Consider the people you support, assess the additional hazards, check your emergency arrangements and speak to your broker if you are uncertain about your insurance cover.
If the risks of holding your own event cannot be managed appropriately, an organised professional display may be the better option.
Quality Care Group helps care providers understand and manage risk through specialist risk management support, including Fire Risk Assessments and wider Risk Assessments & Audits.
If you would like to review your current arrangements or discuss the risks within your care organisation, get in touch with our team.
