By Mark Cartwright, Head of Vans and Light Commercial Vehicles, FTA
Remember, remember the fifth of November; fireworks can be dangerous and it is important you check the regulations governing their transportation ahead of the big night. Fireworks are explosives, after all, and can cause significant damage to property and people; they must be treated with respect. If you are planning to move fireworks or any associated paraphernalia, this blog is for you.
Your load consignment could be anything from sparklers to full pyrotechnics; these all have different requirements so make sure you obtain specialist advice before you transport any item. But whatever the type of product or its quantity, there are a few basic rules to remember.
Firstly, store any items in a cool, dry place before moving them, and stack them carefully when inside the vehicle – do not leave room for them to slide about or crash into other boxes. And do not pack fireworks with other items; leave them in their original packaging as it is optimised for their transportation.
Make sure the interior of your vehicle is well ventilated, so that fireworks stay dry inside. Condensation and moisture can ruin a celebration night if your firework becomes nothing more than a damp squib!
As with any cargo, fireworks must be loaded securely, and not left to slide around on the floor of the van, or, even worse, to fall from racking. Remember what you are carrying when driving around: no sudden movements, overly-sharp braking or surging acceleration, all of which could dislodge your cargo and cause a potential incident.
It's also worth remembering that fireworks are now a year round fixture at parties and weddings, so you may be called on to move them at other times in the year. If it is going to be a regular occurrence, it would be worthwhile obtaining specialist training on how to do so, and the regulations involved. FTA’s Training Team provides such training – to find out more visit www.trainingteam.co.uk
