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, the CPSC estimates that nearly 10,500 people were
hospitalized annually between 1983 and 1992 because of fireworks-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 for more information: http://www.fireworksafety.com/
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