Firework Storage and Shipping Containers

In the lead up to large events or holidays like Bonfire Night, fireworks cannot be stored in the same way as ordinary retail or wholesale stock. 

As fireworks are classed as explosives, businesses need to consider licensing, security, public access, fire risks and the condition of the storage environment.

Below, Cleveland Containers has explored some practical solutions for your firework storage and offered some suggestions as to how we can help you out.

Can You Store Fireworks in a Shipping Container?

Yes, shipping containers can be used for storing fireworks in the UK.

Their steel construction, secure cargo doors and ability to create a dedicated external storage area make shipping containers a practical option for fireworks businesses.

However, the container itself is only one part of the overall storage setup.

Businesses also need to consider:

• The quantity of Net Explosive Content (NEC) being stored.
• The hazard type of the fireworks.
• The location of the container.
• Required separation distances.
• Security and unauthorised access.
• Sources of heat and ignition.
• Moisture and condensation.
• Any necessary lining, bonding or earthing.

The exact requirements will depend on the business, the site and the number of fireworks being stored.

What Are the UK Requirements for Storing Fireworks?

Fireworks fall within the scope of the Explosives Regulations 2014, and businesses will generally need an appropriate licence to store them.

For wholesale or retail premises, storage of up to 2,000kg of Net Explosive Content is generally licensed through the relevant local authority or fire service, depending on the location. Storage above 2,000kg NEC requires a licence from the Health and Safety Executive.

It is important to understand that NEC refers to the actual amount of explosive material contained within the fireworks, rather than the total weight of the products and their packaging.

The quantity and hazard type can also affect where fireworks can be stored and whether specific separation distances apply. Businesses should therefore contact their licensing authority before installing a storage container or bringing stock onto site. This helps establish the requirements for the individual location and ensures the storage arrangement can be planned appropriately.

Why Are Shipping Containers Suitable for Firework Storage?

Shipping containers provide several practical advantages when creating a dedicated external fireworks store.

Secure, Dedicated Storage

Keeping fireworks separately from other stock can help reduce the risk of a fire elsewhere on site spreading to them.

An external container creates a self-contained area that can be positioned away from warehouses, offices, retail areas and other operational spaces.

Security is also important. Firework storage areas should be protected against unauthorised access, while containers should be kept locked when not in use.

Our 20ft shipping containers are available in both new and used condition, with new units featuring a lockbox as standard and additional security options available where required.

Wind and Watertight Protection

Fireworks need to be kept dry as damp conditions can affect fireworks and potentially alter how they behave when ignited. This makes the condition of the container particularly important for long-term storage.

Cleveland's standard new and used containers are supplied as wind and watertight, helping to protect stock from external weather conditions.

For businesses where condition is a priority, a new one-trip shipping container can provide a high-quality starting point, having typically completed only one international cargo journey before arriving in the UK.

Flexible and Scalable

Container storage can also provide flexibility as a business grows. Where site conditions and licensing requirements allow, additional containers can be introduced as storage requirements increase, without having to extend an existing building.

Containers are also available in several sizes, including 10ft, 20ft and 40ft units, helping businesses find an option that suits their available space and required capacity.

Where Should a Firework Storage Container Be Located?

Choosing the right container is only part of the process, finding an ideal position on site is equally important.

Keep the Container Away From Public Access

Shipping containers used for fireworks should be positioned in an area away from public access.

This helps businesses control who can approach or enter the storage area and reduces unnecessary exposure to customers, visitors and other people on site.

All locking points should also be secured with suitable locks.

Prevent Smoking and Ignition Sources

Smoking should be prevented in the immediate area surrounding a firework storage container.

More generally, storage areas should be kept away from heat, ignition sources and combustible materials. This includes equipment or installations that could create additional fire risks. Electrical installations such as lighting should also be kept to a minimum, meaning fireworks storage should not be treated in the same way as a standard office, workshop or general-purpose container.

Protect Against Vehicles and Unauthorised Access

Where a container is positioned on land or a car park adjacent to a building, additional protection may be required.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service guidance recommends fencing at least three metres from the container in this situation, helping reduce risks from arson, malicious damage, vehicle parking and accidental collisions.

The exact security measures should be based on the individual site and the conditions of the storage licence.

Check Separation Distances

There is no single separation distance that applies to every firework storage container.

Requirements can depend on the quantity and hazard type of the fireworks being stored, as well as surrounding buildings, roads and other occupied areas.

Businesses should confirm any necessary separation distances with their licensing authority before choosing the final position of the container.

How Should a Shipping Container Be Modified for Firework Storage?

A key advantage of using a container is that the basic steel structure can be modified around its intended use.

However, businesses should distinguish between general container upgrades and specialist measures required for explosives storage.

Internal Wood or Ply Lining

Guidance for steel containers used for explosives storage states that the walls can be lined with wood or another appropriate material. Alternatively, explosives should be kept at least 150mm away from the metal walls.

We can provide ply lining and insulation through the Cleveland XTRAS range.

This creates an internal barrier against the steel walls while helping to produce a more controlled storage environment.

Electrical Bonding and Earthing

Metal containers also need to be considered from a lightning-protection perspective.

Guidance states that containers regarded as self-protecting should include measures such as electrically bonded panels and doors, two earthing points connected to earth rods at opposite corners and a resistance from the top of the container to earth of less than 10 ohms.

These are specialist requirements rather than standard modifications for every container.

Cleveland can discuss custom modifications with our bespoke container builds service, allowing the unit to be adapted around your individual specification.

Protecting Against Condensation

Being wind and watertight helps stop rain entering from outside, but businesses should also consider moisture forming inside the container.

Temperature changes can cause condensation to build up on internal steel surfaces, potentially creating an unsuitable environment for fireworks.

Our Grafo-Therm anti-condensation treatment can help control this problem. 

The coating absorbs moisture when condensation occurs before releasing it as conditions change, reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming inside the unit.

Grafo-Therm can also be installed alongside ply lining, helping businesses create a more controlled storage environment.

Electrical Installations

Cleveland Containers can install electrics and lighting in standard container conversions.

However, fireworks storage requires a different approach.
Guidance recommends minimising ignition sources and keeping electrical installations such as lighting to a minimum.

Any electrical work required within a dedicated fireworks store should therefore be appropriately specified for the intended use rather than treated as a standard container electrical package.

Choosing the Right Container for Firework Storage

Businesses should choose a firework storage container based on the complete storage setup rather than simply selecting the largest unit available.

Important factors include:

• The amount of NEC the licence permits.
• The hazard type of the fireworks.
• Available site space.
• Required separation distances.
• Security and fencing.
• Ply lining requirements.
• Earthing and bonding.
• Condensation control.
• Any specialist electrical requirements.

For businesses looking for a high-quality unit for long-term static storage, a new (one trip) container can provide a strong starting point.

Where additional modifications are needed, Cleveland XTRAS and bespoke conversion services can help create a container around the customer's required specification. 

Firework Storage Containers From Cleveland Containers

Shipping containers can provide a secure, flexible and practical base for dedicated firework storage when they are correctly specified, positioned and modified.

At Cleveland Containers, we supply a wide range of new and used shipping containers throughout the UK, alongside a range of container modification options. 

Depending on your requirements, these can include:

• Ply lining and insulation
• Grafo-Therm anti-condensation treatment
• Security upgrades
• Bespoke container modifications
• Custom builds

Simply get in touch with our team with your exact specifications and we’d be happy to work together and create the ideal container for your needs.

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