Fireworks can be visually spectacular, however serious injuries or even fatalities can happen if they are incorrectly used. The health and safety of the community and anyone in the vicinity must not be put at risk by fireworks.
According to the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations 2016, a Firework means:
- a manufactured firework item; or
- an item designed or adapted so as to contain or include an explosive that on ignition burns or explodes, or both, to produce a visual effect or aural effect, or both; or
- flash powder or other pyrotechnic substance,
Note: it does not include a distress signal, a model rocket motor or a cracker shell.
Hazards
Fireworks are classified as Class 1 Explosives (Dangerous Goods Class 1) under international and national transport and safety regulations. As a result, they present significant risks, including injury, property damage, cargo damage, environmental harm, insurance invalidation, and potential criminal liability.
Due to their explosive nature, fireworks can have serious consequences if not handled, stored or discharged safely. In South Australia, fireworks have resulted in the following injuries and property damage:
- Fires: stray embers can ignite vegetation, buildings and other combustible materials.
- Burns: from improper use of fireworks and sparklers.
- Eye inquires: flying sparks and shrapnel can cause loss of vision.
- Hearing loss: can occur from exposure to exploding fireworks
- Physical injuries: defective firecrackers can pre-detonate causing loss of fingers, burns, broken bones and nerve damage.
- Musculoskeletal damage: lifting and handling fireworks can cause muscle and joint strains, back injuries or crush damage from dropped containers.
- Psychosocial hazards: factors such as high job demands, isolated work, fatigue, inadequate supervision, or poor communication can increase the likelihood of errors and incidents involving fireworks.
Safety requirements
Note: the following are general safety requirements which licensed pyrotechnicians must follow, as described in the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations 2016.
- Manage risks: identify and control hazards associated with the storage, handling and use of fireworks.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): ensure that hearing and eye protection are being used effectively.
- Training: ensure pyrotechnicians are trained and appropriately licensed on the specific type of fireworks.
- Exclusion zones: establish a mandatory spectator prohibited area for the specific firework.
- Communication: have an agreed system of communication with support personnel.
- Emergencies: ensure emergency procedures are in place including firefighting equipment.
- Wind: monitor wind speeds and their effect on the fireworks and stop work if necessary.
- Clean up: wear protective gear during the clean-up process.
Licence requirements
Pyrotechnician’s licence
To use a firework, you must hold a pyrotechnician’s licence or work under the direct supervision of a licensed pyrotechnician (excluding general use fireworks such as sparklers, bon bons, toy pistol caps).
If you have an interstate pyrotechnician licence you must clarify with SafeWork SA whether it is eligible for Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR). Where eligible, you may notify Safework SA of your intention to conduct displays in South Australia under AMR. Where not eligible, you must apply for a South Australian pyrotechnician licence or work under the supervision of a South Australian licensed pyrotechnician. Refer to: Automatic mutual recognition of licences | SafeWork SA.
Special effect display (SFX)
A Special Effect Display (SFX) is an endorsement of a pyrotechnician’s licence that allows a person to use controlled pyrotechnics or fireworks secondary to another activity, such as a film stunt, theatrical production, or live concert—rather than for a standalone fireworks show. Refer to Explosives (Fireworks) Regulation 2016 for more information.
Pyrotechnic displays business licence
A pyrotechnic displays business licence is an official regulatory authorisation required to run a commercial enterprise that conducts or arranges professional fireworks shows and theatrical special effects displays.
Pyrotechnic sales business licence
A pyrotechnic sales business licence is required to run a business that sells fireworks. It ensures that commercial sellers restrict fireworks transactions exclusively to qualified professionals, such as licensed pyrotechnicians or other authorised permit holders.
Notification
Fireworks display
Pyrotechnicians must notify SafeWork SA of their intention to conduct a fireworks, pyrotechnic or special effects display.
The supervising pyrotechnician must:
- complete and submit a separate notification form for each display
- give notification at least 5 clear business days prior to the date of the display.
For more information refer to Notification of firework display.
Upcoming fireworks displays
A list of upcoming firework displays is kept updated on the SafeWork SA website as a courtesy to the public. It can be found here: Upcoming fireworks displays.
Contact us
Visit: safework.sa.gov.au
Call: SafeWork on 1300 365 255
Email: help.safework@sa.gov.au
Further information
SafeWork SA
Legislation
Australian Standards
- AS 2187.1: Explosives –storage, transport and use - Part 1: Storage
- AS 2187.4: Explosives –storage, transport and use - Part 4: Pyrotechnics – Outdoor displays, unless specified by the regulator
Codes of Practice
