The British Pyrotechnists Association (BPA) is the trade body that represents the majority of professional

firework display Fireworks are Explosive, low explosive Pyrotechnics, pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. They are most commonly used in fireworks displays (also called a fireworks show or pyrotechnics), combining a large numbe ...

companies in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

. The Association is committed to maintaining high standards amongst its members, whose activities include the manufacture, importation, sale, transportation, training and use of display

fireworks Fireworks are Explosive, low explosive Pyrotechnics, pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. They are most commonly used in fireworks displays (also called a fireworks show or pyrotechnics), combining a large numbe ...

both by members of the public and professionals. As a central representative body the British Pyrotechnists Association encourages the highest standards with respect to safety, on-site practice and performance of fireworks displays by its members and members of the general public. The Association is a central source of information on all questions relating to the display industry and is responsible for maintaining close liaison with the appropriate authorities on all matters concerning the manufacture, storage, transportation and exhibition of display fireworks. It also considers, makes recommendations, or takes other necessary action on all related aspects of UK and European legislation governing professional fireworks and related products. Members of the Association sit on a number of

Health and Safety Executive The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a British public body responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare. It has additionally adopted a research role into occupational risks in Great B ...

and

Local Government Local government is a generic term for the lowest tiers of governance or public administration within a particular sovereign state. Local governments typically constitute a subdivision of a higher-level political or administrative unit, such a ...

enforcement committees, along with European committees concerned with the harmonisation of fireworks related

legislation Legislation is the process or result of enrolling, enacting, or promulgating laws by a legislature, parliament, or analogous governing body. Before an item of legislation becomes law it may be known as a bill, and may be broadly referred ...

throughout the

European Community The European Economic Community (EEC) was a regional organisation created by the Treaty of Rome of 1957,Today the largely rewritten treaty continues in force as the ''Treaty on the functioning of the European Union'', as renamed by the Lisbo ...

Firer's examination scheme

In 2003 the British Pyrotechnists Association introduced a Firer’s training scheme for its members, to help set a common standard of

safety Safety is the state of being protected from harm or other danger. Safety can also refer to the control of recognized hazards in order to achieve an acceptable level of risk. Meanings The word 'safety' entered the English language in the 1 ...

and knowledge throughout the professional display industry. The scheme requires candidates to undertake a course of training in accordance with a detailed syllabus, after which they sit an exam. Successful candidates are then issued with a BPA Firer’s identification card to show that they have undertaken the training course and passed the exam. The Association maintains a register of firers on it
website
that can be checked by anyone wanting to verify the authenticity of BPA Firer’s identification. Although there is no statutory requirement in the United Kingdom for professional display operators to be licensed or to have received any training, many local authorities and organisations will only allow companies and individuals to work for them who have achieved the BPA qualification. There are two levels of achievement in the scheme. Level 1 is for all personnel involved in setting up and firing professional firework displays, and the higher Level 2 is for professional firework displays managers and supervisors. The scheme is based on a sound knowledge of the hazards associated with: * Firework types * Firework effects * Fireworks in transport * Rigging techniques * Site design * Firing methods * Fallout considerations * Disposal In addition to the training and examination, each candidate is required to maintain a log book of their firework display experience. The log book can be used to verify that display personnel have the necessary practical experience, in a variety of display environments, to complement their formal training.

References

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External links

British Pyrotechnists Association Official site
For current list of BPA members click here

Professional associations based in the United Kingdom Fireworks organizations Organizations with year of establishment missing Trade associations based in the United Kingdom