SAFETY TIPS FOR
CONSUMER FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
BEFORE AN AUDIENCE
Anyone shooting Consumer Fireworks (1.4g, formally "Class C") or common fireworks will find these tips helpful as a starting place for practical use, safety and enjoyment. These especially apply when you plan to shoot before an audience where a number of people will be present. This list is not exhaustive, there are other web sites with "rules" and "suggestions' which you might want to check out.
1. Always inform your local Fire Department to advise them you are having a fireworks display in advance of the shoot. There may be local requirements you need to follow for conducting a display including obtaining a permit in some areas.
2. Consumer Fireworks should never be used indoors.
3. Operator(s) doing the actual shooting of fireworks should wear safety glasses, cotton clothing and long sleeves.
4. Have near the launch area an appropriate number of fire extinguishers for the size of your display. Include additional fire extinguishers on both sides of the audience area.
5. Make certain all of your effects (fireworks) are on a flat surface and mounted securely in order to prevent tipping.
6. The launch site should be a minimum of three times the distance from the audience than the largest effect (fireworks) you will be shooting. If the effect is 20' high or wide, then the audience should be at least 60' away from the launch site.
7. If you have never used a particular effect (fireworks shell, fountain, etc.) or, if a crosswind is present, then shoot a test shot prior to the arriving of the audience to confirm you have ample safety distances.
8. Operator(s) lighting the fireworks should never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
9. Under no circumstances should children be allowed to light fireworks.
10. Keep one or more buckets of water near the launch site for a variety of purposes: if you have a dud, or no-fire, let it sit for a minimum of 20 minutes before approaching, then soak it in a bucket of water. Never attempt to repair or alter Consumer Fireworks.
11. Keep a long garden hose at ready to extinguish any small fires that may occur.
12. Do not point fireworks at or in the direction of the audience.
13. Confirm that the grass is not too tall or dry near the launch area. Consider mowing or water hosing the area before beginning your display.
14. When choosing your launch site, keep in mind it cannot be near any flammable liquids, nor close to flammable gas supplies, either propane or natural, and that the site does not have any debris which could possibly catch fire.
15. Make certain you are not launching near a house, building, vehicles or livestock structures: spent fireworks not properly disposed of can mar, damage or destroy life and property, sometimes hours after the display.
Your audience trusts you to do all you can to protect them while they enjoy your display. Keep in mind you will be held financially responsible for injuries or damage you or your fireworks may cause.
These Safety Tips are published by the Tennessee Fireworks Advisory Council. They would be interested in any suggestions you may have for additional tips to be considered for inclusion in the next publication of the Safety Tips. Email them to fire.prevention@state.tn.us.
"The state of Tennessee does not undertake to police or enforce the use of "Consumer Fireworks". The state also disclaims liability for any personal injury or property damage resulting from use or reliance on the publication of these Tips.