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Trident Public Risk Solutions

Ask the Risk Manager: Firework Safety

06/09/2022

silhouette of two people looking up at fireworks in the night sky

06/09/2022

How to Minimize Risks from Fireworks Displays

In this report of Ask the Risk Manager from Trident Public Risk Solutions, we look over the things you can be doing for your organization or public entity to help minimize risks of fireworks displays. To make sure your organization is doing all you can for your firework event, read on to learn more.

Thoughtful planning and attention to key risk-control and risk-transfer tactics will help make your next event safe and fun.

Each year, millions around the globe gather to enjoy spectacular pyrotechnics for symbolic ceremonies, festivals and holidays – including Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire Night) in the United Kingdom, Diwali in India, and the Fourth of July in the United States.

However, they are not without risk. Local authorities, emergency services and municipalities often see spikes in fireworks-related injuries and accidents.

Photo Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2020 Fireworks Annual Report

To minimize risks, there are some fireworks safety precautions that anyone organizing a display or fire festival should follow.

1. Assign responsibility

Everyone involved in the event should be fully aware of their roles and responsibilities with regards to planning, risk assessment, safety, emergency provision and lines of communication.

Team members should be familiar with all local, municipal, and national legal requirements and obtain up-to-date advice, codes and guidelines from official bodies, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the U.S. and the Fire Service in the U.K.

2. Get the paperwork in order

Give yourself enough time to get all necessary licenses and insurance policies in place. If you are hiring professional vendors, make sure a contract is in place that addresses:

  • Contactors’ obligations to follow all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Contractors’ responsibilities for planning, permitting, pyrotechnic transportation and storage, event setup and execution, and cleanup and site inspection.
  • Contractors’ minimum insurance coverage and limits of liability.
  • Contractors’ adequate indemnity and hold harmless clauses.
  • What happens if the event is canceled.

3. Be a good neighbor

Consider the nuisance and environmental impacts that fireworks and fire festivals can have.

  • Local hospitals and care homes may be affected by noise or smoke.
  • Elderly people, children and animals may be frightened.
  • Livestock and agriculture may be put at risk.

4. Confirm the site is suitable

Organizers should thoroughly evaluate the site, taking these factors into consideration.

  • Identify the fallout area and make sure it’s clear of combustible materials.
  • Identify parking, emergency pathways and spectator areas.
  • Determine ways to prevent people from entering the fallout area.

5. Safeguard the area afterward

Once the fireworks are over, take these additional steps to reduce risks even more.

  • Keep spectators out of the area.
  • Search for unexploded fireworks and burning debris by thoroughly inspecting the grounds.
  • Conduct a follow-up inspection the next day to determine if anything was missed.

No event organizer is immune to risks when it comes to hosting fireworks displays and fire festivals. But thoughtful planning along with attention to key risk-control and risk-transfer tactics will help make your next event safe and fun.

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