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CPSC's Firework Safety Recommendations - Know the regulations and play it safe |
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The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us celebrate the summer season, especially our nation’s birthday on the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks. Although legal consumer fireworks that comply with the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) regulations can be relatively safe, all fireworks are hazardous and can cause injury. Fireworks are classified as hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. (Visit the CPSC’s website at www.cpsc.gov for more details on fireworks and their classifications.) Some fireworks such as illegal firecracker type devices (M-80’s, quarter sticks) and professional display fireworks should never be used or handled by consumers or children due to serious injuries and death that can and do occur from such use or handling. |
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Sparklers, considered by many the ideal “safe” firework for
the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite
clothing. •
Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under
close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay. •
Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry
leaves or grass and flammable materials. •
Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on
fireworks that don’t go off. •
Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse
and soak them with water and throw them away. •
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. •
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or
metal container. •
Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas. •
Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check for special storage
directions. •
Observe local laws. •
Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework
while lighting. •
Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks.
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Reprinted from The Reconstructor, Newsletter of Boster, Kobayashi & Associates, Summer 2006. |
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