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Major Risk - Fireworks and Pyrotechnics

In Queensland, fireworks are controlled under the Explosives Act 1999 (Qld). Only those issued with licences under this Act are permitted to use and handle fireworks and are required to work to specific legislative requirements.

In addition, under the Explosives Regulation 2003, only holders of a fireworks contractor licence (either individuals or companies) may tender for and conduct public firework displays, and event managers are responsible for ensuring that only licensed contractors are engaged for fireworks and pyrotechnics at events.

Risk Assessments

A Risk Assessment must be completed for all fireworks and pyrotechnics planned for events. Suitable controls must be implemented to either eliminate the risks, or to reduce those risks as far as is reasonable practicable.

Further Information

The following resources will provide further information in relation to fireworks and pyrotechnics at events:

 

Below are some examples of hazards, risks and controls associated with fireworks & pyrotechnics at events

Hazards

Risks

Controls
  • Use of unlicensed operators
  • Failure to provide a display plan
  • Inadequate assistants on hand to conduct the display
  • Inadequate site security and crowd control
  • Operator and assistants not appropriately attired
  • Inadequate safety equipment on hand for display
  • Failure to notify all relevant regulatory agencies of the display (ie: Mines inspectorate, Emergency Services, Department Environment & Resource Management, and the Local Council)
  • Failure to notify all relevant persons ie: event patrons, local residents, surrounding community
  • Failure to assess impact of noise from the display on local residents and surrounding community
  • Failure to consider noise from the display on domestic animals and the local wildlife
  • Failure to take into account adverse weather conditions (eg: winds)
  • Failure to adequately clean up after display
  • Breach of legislative requirements
  • Risk of injuries/death
  • Breach of CQUniversity policies & procedures
  • Risk of property damage
  • Risk of injury/death to motorists
  • Risk of environmental damage
  • Risk to injury/death to animals and native wildlife
  • Endangering the personal safety of patrons and event personnel
  • Increased risk of adverse situation requiring emergency response
  • Complaints from the surrounding community
  • Reputational damage to University
  • Legal action
  • Regulatory prosecution / fines
  • Use only licensed operators
  • Review display plan from operator prior to event
  • Ensure operator has sufficient assistants on hand to conduct the display
  • Ensure suitable site security and crowd control is provided
  • Ensure provider has taken suitable precautions to protect assistants
  • Ensure operator has sufficient safety equipment on hand for display
  • Ensure operator has notified all appropriate regulatory agencies prior to the event, and provides evidence of such.
  • Ensure operator has notified all relevant personnel, local residents and the surrounding community, and provides evidence of such.
  • Ensure approved display times are adhered to by the operator.
  • Ensure placement of the display is appropriate to minimize impact on personnel and animals.
  • Ensure operator has notified all appropriate regulatory agencies, emergency services, relevant personnel, local residents and the surrounding community prior to the event.
  • Ensure operator has a contingency plan for dealing with changing weather conditions, and establish procedure for cancelling display due to adverse weather.
  • Ensure operator has procedures to check for unfired fireworks.
  • The operator may need to conduct a check the next morning if the display is held at night time.
  • Ensure operator has procedures for safety removing equipment following the display.