Deteriorated fireworks and adverse weather lead to injuries at firework display

Background

Four people were injured during an incident at a firework display after being struck by falling debris. One injured person was a child, and two were taken to hospital by ambulance with head injuries.

The use of deteriorated fireworks, and a change in wind direction and speed, are believed to have caused firework debris to fall outside of the exclusion zone.

Safety issues

Both deteriorated explosives and adverse weather conditions can affect the trajectory of fireworks. This can create significant hazards including:

• falling debris
• misfires
• explosions

Ways to control risks

Before a discharge event, pyrotechnicians should always visually inspect fireworks and conduct test firing. Pyrotechnicians should also check the Bureau of Meteorology on the day of the firework display. If adverse weather conditions are forecast, pyrotechnicians should complete a risk assessment. These adverse weather conditions can include:

• strong winds
• rain
• lightning
• extreme heat

If pyrotechnicians can't ensure the safety of people and property, the discharge event should be postponed or cancelled.

When using fireworks, pyrotechnicians should take all reasonable precautions to prevent any:

• fire or explosions
• damage to property
• danger to the public

To control the risks associated with discharging fireworks, pyrotechnicians:

• should consider weather conditions (particularly wind speed and direction) when firing pyrotechnics
• must ensure minimum safety separation distances are being met during the discharge event

If they are an employer, pyrotechnicians must also provide everyone involved in the discharge event with the information, instruction, training or supervision needed to do their work safely.

Relevant laws

The following laws cover the duties of the pyrotechnicians when it comes to possessing, using and discharging fireworks:

• Dangerous Goods Act 1985
• Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2022

The discharge of fireworks should also follow:

• Australian Standard 2187.4 Explosives – Storage, Transport and Use – Pyrotechnics – Outdoor Displays Victoria, as applicable

Pyrotechnicians may also have general health and safety duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.