Occupational Health for the Pyrotechnics Industry

Fireworks light up the sky, but they also bring risks. From retail sales to dazzling displays, occupational health is crucial in the pyrotechnics industry. Following OSHA guidelines is essential, whether you're managing a fireworks store or orchestrating a show. Maintain safety at retail locations by securing permits, providing clear exit routes, and conducting safety training. For display operators, the pre-display checklist includes ATF licenses, weather protection, and sobriety requirements. During the show, crowd control and personal protective equipment are key. Afterward, ensure safe cleanup. Prioritize occupational health and celebrate safely!
fireworks

As the Fourth of July draws near, we will see and hear fireworks in almost every city across the United States. Americans spend approximately $1.5 billion on Fourth of July fireworks displays. Fireworks and pyrotechnics can be hazardous, even for those trained in the field. According to a 2013 study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 11,400 injuries due to pyrotechnics occurred in 2013, nearly 4,000 more than the previous year. Pyrotechnics professionals and employers need to know and implement proper safety measures and procedures to provide the best occupational health for the pyrotechnics industry.

Occupational Health for Retail Sales of Pyrotechnics

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) compiled a list of guidelines for manufacturing, producing, and distributing pyrotechnics and fireworks in different settings. Here are the general guidelines for keeping up occupational health and safety for the retail sale of pyrotechnics:

  • Obtain the necessary state, and local permits, licenses, and inspections
  • Post and enforce no smoking within 50 feet of fireworks sales areas.
  • Post and implement no fireworks discharge within 300 feet of fireworks retail sales facilities and stores.
  • Maintain clear exit routes with a minimum of two ways out from every point.
  • Exit doors:
  • do not lock when occupied
  • ensure they swing outward;
  • do not obstruct
  • install panic hardware if they latch (except for temporary stands).
  • Fire extinguishers should be operational and accessible. At least one should be a water type.
  • Secure (lock) the facility when closed, and fireworks remain.
  • Remove damaged fireworks and loose pyrotechnic composition promptly and dispose of them properly. Use non-sparking cleaning tools, not vacuum cleaners.
  • Maintain fixed fire protection features (i.e., keep fire doors closed).
  • Maintain required flame breaks in the retail sales displays unless the facility is sprinkled or temporary.
  • Maintained visual supervision of the fireworks sales area.
  • Do not store combustibles directly above fireworks displays unless adequately separated.
  • Do not use open flames or heating devices with exposed elements.
  • Participate in safety training.
  • Aerial devices and audible ground devices require special attention and treatment.

Occupational Health for Display Fireworks

OSHA warns that many dangers are associated with setting up and setting off firework displays. Only those trained in pyrotechnics should plan and set off large firework displays. OSHA published several checklists that should be followed by fireworks display operators and other affected employees.

Pre-Display Checklist

The following is a list of tasks compiled by OSHA that should be completed before a large fireworks display:

  • Obtain required Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) licenses and permits.
  • If setting off fireworks near a large body of water, obtain U.S. Coast Guard approval.
  • If setting off fireworks near an airport or heliport, obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval.
  • Warn pilots to protect passenger and cargo planes by issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
  • Arrange for fire service and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to be available for the display.
  • Obtain the required or appropriate insurance.
  • Establish site security before the arrival of pyrotechnic materials.
  • Protect all fireworks, pyrotechnic materials, and launching equipment from inclement weather and keep them dry at all times.
  • Prohibit smoking material, matches, lighters, or open flames within 50 feet of fireworks or pyrotechnic material.
  • Allow only necessary personnel required to set up and perform the display on site.
  • Prohibit persons in the display site who are under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or medication that could adversely affect judgment, mobility, or stability.
  • Do not use cell phones or radio frequency (R.F.) generating devices within the immediate discharge area while electrically ignited fireworks or pyrotechnic devices are prepared, loaded, or set up.
  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)  appropriate for setup duties.
  • Thoroughly inspect all mortars, mortar racks, bundles, pre-loaded box items, cakes, candles, and ground displays to ensure they are inherently stable.
  • Avoid placing any portion of your body over mortars during loading, wiring, or igniting and immediately after the display has been fired.
  • Use safe handling and loading procedures for all pyrotechnic devices.

Display Checklist

Just before, during, and after the display, be sure to follow these procedures to ensure the occupational health of those working in the pyrotechnics industry:

  • Verify fire service and EMS units are available and ready to respond.
  • Establish good communications between crew, event sponsor, AHJ, and fire service/EMS units.
  • Maintain crowd control, utilizing monitors and barriers.
  • Use all required personal protective equipment, especially head, eye, hearing, and foot protection.
  • Wear long-sleeved and long-legged clothing made of cotton, wool, or similar flame-resistant cloth.
  • Avoid placing any portion of your body over mortars when manually igniting them.
  • Comply with directions given by the AHJ, spotter(s), or fire/EMS units.
  • Use only flashlights or other non-incendive lighting in firing and ready box areas.

Post-Display Checklist

After the display, make it a priority to check all individual fireworks to ensure they were properly set off and are no longer active. Follow these guidelines for staying safe while cleaning up after a fireworks display:

  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleanup duties.
  • Disable any electric firing switches and disconnect all electric cables.
  • After at least 15 minutes, search the display and fallout areas.
  • Follow proper marking and warning procedures for unexploded shells.
  • Properly handle, repackage, and secure all unused live products and duds according to Federal, State, and local regulations.
  • Conduct a second site search at the first light.

If you or a loved one works in the pyrotechnics industry, take precautions and stay safe on the job!

How Can We Help?

Work Health Solutions offers comprehensive healthcare solutions for your medical needs. Our qualified team treats patients and employers alike and always provides top-quality service. We back our quality service with years of experience working with academic and research institutions, corporate healthcare, Fortune 25 companies, small governments, and local businesses. Reach out today with any questions about how we can assist you!

Work Health Solutions

Work Health Solutions

About Us

Work Health Solutions is dedicated to preserving a safe work environment and improving existing programs and care for local, regional and national organizations.

Share This Post

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Recent Posts

Speak with an Occupational Health Specialist

If you have questions about Work Health Solution's occupational health services or if you need to purchase bulk medical supplies, such as COVID-19 testing kits, please contact us.

Get in Touch

Dr. Glen Cheng

A physician-attorney with a dedication to healthcare innovation, informatics, and digital health.

  • Currently spearheads employee health protection and promotion within the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System.
  • Trained in residency at Harvard, achieving board certification as a physician; also a licensed patent attorney with experience as FDA regulatory counsel.
  • Co-founded Acceleromics, a consulting firm providing clinical and regulatory guidance to digital health startups.

Erin Davis

 Chief Clinical Officer at Work Health Solutions, certified in Adult-Gerontology (AGNP-C) and Athletic Training (ATC).

  • Oversees clinical operations and ensures high clinical standards across the company’s national field staff.
  • Former Manager of Clinic Operations and Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner at Stanford University Occupational Health Center (SUOHC).
  • Specialized in treating occupational injuries and illnesses, and provided medical surveillance and travel medicine consults at Stanford and SLAC National Accelerator Lab.
  • Dedicated to sports and occupational injury treatment and prevention.
  • Assistant Clinical Faculty at UCSF, mentoring students in clinical rotations within the Adult Gerontology and Occupational and Environmental Health Program.
  • Holds leadership roles as Treasurer and President Elect of the California El Camino Real Association of Occupational Health Nurses (CECRAOHN), affiliated with the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN).

Dr. Robert Goldsmith

Founder and President of NBS Healthcare Group, with a focus on innovation in healthcare consulting.

  • Previous role as Executive Director for Employee Health at Novartis Services, Inc., leading health services and clinical support.
  • Instrumental in creating an integrated healthcare system at Novartis.
  • Former private practice in internal medicine in Stamford, Connecticut, and Medical Director consultant for GTE Corporation.
  • Transitioned to GE as a Global Medical Director in 2000.
  • Holds a medical degree from Albert Einstein College, an MPH from the University of Connecticut, and completed training at Greenwich Hospital and Yale-New Haven Medical Center.
  • Assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the Vagelos School of Medicine, Columbia University.
  • Serves as a team physician for high school athletes in Stamford.
  • Published works on occupational health risks, primary prevention, and exercise-induced asthma.