Defusing Disaster: Fireworks Safety for the Fourth
Whenever the Fourth of July rolls around, some people prepare
to mimic the aerial aesthetics of a professionally choreographed
pyrotechnic display. The backyard is their stage and their tools
are commercially available fireworks. Unfortunately, these homespun
experiments can easily turn into a fireworks-fueled game of Russian
Roulette. Eyes that expect to see a thrilling show can just as
likely be lost.
The safest way to enjoy a fireworks display is to unfold your
lawn chair at a reasonable distance and leave the actual detonation
to the professionals. Trained pyrotechnicians have the knowledge
and skill needed to safely ignite these high-octane explosives.
The amateur who feels inspired to dabble with fireworks should
at least know the danger signals and visual cues that indicate
a potentially defective product and, unless he or she wants to
conclude the Fourth of July celebration in the company of a foul-mouthed
cell mate at the “Gray Bar Motel,” should learn which fireworks
are illegal.
SAFETY
Fireworks are regulated nationally by the U.S. Consumer Products
Safety Commission (CPSC). In 1976 the CPSC enacted national standards
that created a category of acceptable “family-type” fireworks.
The same standards outlawed dangerous explosives such as “M-80s”
and “cherry bombs.” Even
with the regulations in place, in 2007 nearly 10,000 Americans
were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries.
The CPSC standards require that all fireworks show the name of
the item, the name of the manufacturer or distributor, and easy-to-read
cautionary labeling with instructions on proper use. The American
Pyrotechnics Association (APA) warns that if this information
does not appear, “the item may have been made illegally and could
be very unsafe.” The APA warns that any fireworks exhibiting the
following danger signals may fire unpredictably and should be
avoided:
- Leaking powder and appearance of age or signs of mishandling.
- A loose fuse (this may prevent the firework from igniting
properly).
- Evidence that the firework has been wet and then dried (water
affects the sensitivity of the chemicals inside).
After examining fireworks for these signs, follow these recommendations
from the CPSC for safely handling fireworks:
- Have water or some other means of extinguishing a fire handy.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never ignite fireworks indoors.
- Never ignite a firework twice (if it malfunctions, forget
it!).
- Never give fireworks to children.
- Never throw fireworks at another person.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never attempt to ignite fireworks under the influence of alcohol
or controlled substances.
IT’S THE LAW
In Wisconsin, certain fireworks are illegal for use by the general
public. Wisconsin Statute 167.10, Regulation of Fireworks, segregates
fireworks into ten basic classifications and distinguishes between
“allowed” and “permit required” devices. Permit required devices
are illegal for use by the general public. The following are the
three classifications of permit required devices:
- Aerial Devices: Any device which leaves the ground. Examples
include sky rockets and pop bottle rockets.
- Explosive Devices: Any device that explodes. Small party poppers
that spray confetti or paper streamers are an exception, as
long as the explosive charge does not exceed 0.25 grains.
- Ground Devices: Devices that move, jump, spin, shoot-out flaming
balls of fire or have a combination of effects (roman candles
and pin wheels are common examples). Cone fountain devices with
a gross weight of 75 grams or less are allowed.
It bears repeating that fireworks displays are best left to the
professionals. If you choose to experiment with pyrotechnics,
know both the danger signals and the rules of safe handling. Don’t
let your backyard “oohs” and “aahs” explode into “owws” and “ouches!”
Click here to access
CPSC press release.
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