Fireworks Safety

The following are examples of injuries from legal and illegal fireworks:

A 33-year-old man was setting off mortar style fireworks out of a black plastic pipe while in his backyard. As he leaned over the one of the tubes and lit the fuse, the fireworks immediately went off striking him in the face. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead from head injuries.

A 6-inch fountain that shot colored fireballs injured a 4-year-old girl. When the fountain tipped over, the victim was struck in the chest by a fireball. She sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns to her chest and neck. She was hospitalized for three weeks for burn treatment and skin grafts.

A 15-year-old male tied together the wires of 10 sparklers. The sparklers ignited quickly and burned down very fast, finally exploding in his hand. The victim sustained a five-inch long laceration to his hand and forearm exposing muscle. Also, debris from the explosion lodged in his hand and arm. The victim had plastic surgery and has recovered.

To help prevent incidents like these, the federal government, under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, prohibits the sale of the most dangerous types of fireworks to consumers. These banned fireworks include large reloadable mortar shells, cherry bombs, aerial bombs, M-80 salutes and larger firecrackers containing more than two grains of powder. Also banned are mail-order kits designed to build these fireworks.

In a regulation that went into effect December 6, 1976, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission lowered the permissible charge in firecrackers to no more than 50 milligrams of powder. In addition, these amended regulations provide performance specifications for fireworks other than firecrackers intended for consumers use, including a requirement that fuses burn at least 3 seconds, but no longer than 9 seconds. All fireworks must carry a warning label describing necessary safety precautions and instructions for safe use.

The Commission has issued a performance requirement to reduce the risk of potentially dangerous tipover of large multiple tube mine and shell devices. Tip-over of these devices has resulted in two fatalities. The new requirement went into effect on March 26, 1997.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 2002 about 8,800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. Over half the injuries were burns and most of the injuries involved the hands, eyes, and head. About half of the victims were under 15 years of age.

Fireworks should be used only with extreme caution. Older children should be closely supervised, and younger children should not be allowed to play with fireworks.

Before using fireworks, make sure they are permitted in your state or local area. Many states and local governments prohibit or limit consumer fireworks, formerly known as class C fireworks, which are common fireworks and firecrackers sold for consumer use. Consumer fireworks include shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman Candles, rockets, sparklers, firecrackers with no more than 50 milligrams of powder and novelty items such as snakes, airplanes, ground spinners, helicopters, fountains, and party poppers. In general consumer fireworks are: DOT Class C 1.4G UN0336.

The following is a summary of state regulations as of June 1, 2008.

(The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, in addition to the above states enforce the federal regulations and applicable state restrictions).

Keep in mind that even when a state allows fireworks, many cities don't allow fireworks inside the city limits.

II. STATES THAT ALLOW ONLY SPARKLERS AND/OR OTHER NOVELTIES (total of 5 states):

Illinois Iowa Maine

Ohio Vermont

III. STATES THAT ALLOW ONLY NOVELTY FIREWORKS - (total of 1 state):

Arizona

IV. STATES THAT BAN ALL CONSUMER FIREWORKS (including those which are allowed by CPSC regulations) - (total of 5 states):

Delaware Massachusetts New Jersey

New York Rhode Island

To help consumers use fireworks more safely, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these recommendations:

• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
  
  
• Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay..
  
  
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials..
  
  
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off..
  
  
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away..
  
  
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks..
  
  
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container..
  
  
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas..
  
  
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions..
  
  
• Observe local laws..
  
  
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting
  
  
• Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.

  PARENTS SHOULD SUPERVISE THE ORDERING AND USE OF MAILORDER "MAKE YOUR OWN" FIREWORK KITS.

CPSC Document #012

Fireworks Safety Internet Resources:

• National Council on Fireworks Safety: safety, statistics on injuries and state laws that will help you to have a safe and fun Fourth of July.
• Prevent Blindness America Fireworks Safety: "Prevent Blindness America warns that there is no safe way for nonprofessionals to use fireworks. It is only safe to enjoy the splendor and excitement of fireworks at a professional display." Learn what to do if you ignore this advice and your child's eyes are injured to prevent blindness.
• Fireworks Safety Fact Sheet: from the NFPA (formerly the National Fire Protection Association), a fact sheet on fireworks safety, including a fireworks safety lesson plan that students can use to plan and present a skit demonstrating decisions that could result in a risky situation involving fireworks.
• Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July : from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, learn firework safety to prevent eye injuries.

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