Firework Review Group: report to the Scottish Government

Annex C British Pyrotechnists Association

To achieve their objective of maintaining the highest standards in terms of safety, on-site practice and performance, the BPA has a very specific membership criteria to ensure that members are reputable and responsible companies. This includes: a minimum turnover on professionally fired displays (£72,000 + VAT); a minimum of £10m Public Liability insurance; a requirement to undertake BPA training; proof of licensed storage and preparation spaces; and payment of a membership fee.

The training scheme that members must undertake is delivered by the BPA and has been in operation since 2003. This is for firers and senior firers of pyrotechnics^[17]. The training courses are accredited by City and Guilds and are open to everyone in the industry, as well as the BPA members who must complete it. The names of all individuals who have completed the training can be checked online, as well as the names of all of the companies that are BPA members.

As well as membership criteria, the BPA have established a code of conduct which sets out requirements for its members in order to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in all aspects of their work. This includes to: meet all legal requirements in respect of manufacture, importation, transport, storage and use of display fireworks; maintain adequate legal storage for Category F4 fireworks; maintain adequate insurance to cover their activities; carry out transport activities in suitable vehicles and with appropriate packaging and classifications; carry out all relevant risk assessments and safety procedures in accordance with the BPA training; fire outdoor displays before 11pm in the UK except in special circumstances as allowed by Regulations or local exemptions; and have sufficient staff qualified to firer or senior Firer level of the BPA course commensurate with the number of displays staged.