Who could imagine a Fourth of July without fireworks? Americans love their “rockets’ red glare” and “bombs bursting in air”. So do we at BlackHawk. And we want you to safely enjoy the fireworks this summer. With that in mind, we pass along these tips for fireworks safety from six of the nation’s leading safety experts: National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), National Safety Council, National Fireworks Safety Council, World Health Organization and U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

The Danger of Fireworks

The fun and enjoyment of fireworks come at an unfortunate cost in terms of injuries to eyes, ears and limbs as well as burns and property loss. In 2017, for example, 12,000 Americans sustained fireworks-related injuries that required medical care. Half of these cases were individuals aged 20 years or less. Eight people died from their injuries. About 90% of these accidents involved amateurs who tried to detonate professional-grade, illegal or homemade fireworks. The remaining 10% were sustained from small firecrackers and sparklers.

In that same year, fireworks caused nearly 20,000 fires that resulted in more than $100 million in property losses.

Best Way: Watch a Public Display

All six organizations stress the same message: Leave fireworks to the experts. As fireworks are explosive devices, they must be handled with great caution. Licensed pyrotechnicians have the professional training, knowledge and technology to safely present spectacular shows before large audiences. The location, time, weather, wind and crowd are all carefully considered by the pros before they detonate a single charge.

You can do your part at a public fireworks display:

• Stay at least one quarter mile from where the fireworks explode (you’ll get the best view, too)
• Wear earplugs to protect your ears from noise
• Obey safety signage, barriers, ushers, police and other safety personnel
• Never touch an unexploded firework that has hit the ground
• Notify police or fire officials if you find an unexploded firework
• Keep the pets at home

But If You Are Trying This at Home…

Remember first that you are not an expert. But you need to prepare, think and act like one. Think safety before you think “entertainment.” We will assume that the fireworks you intend to shoot are legal in your state and locality.

• Choose an open area free of homes, buildings, trees, overhead utility lines, cars or other obstructions
• Read labels and instructions first
• Don’t drink and detonate — alcohol and fireworks do not mix
• Have a water hose nearby and ready, and fill a bucket with water
• A fire extinguisher wouldn’t hurt, either
• Have a first aid kit on hand
• Lock the pets inside
• Wear safety glasses and earplugs if you will handle the fireworks
• Encourage all audience members to wear PPE as well
• Keep an eye on children at all times and do not permit them to handle any fireworks
• Ignite only one firework at a time, and make sure everyone around is alert
• Use long-handled matches
• Never shoot a firework in the direction of another person or an animal
• Never carry fireworks on your person
• Never shoot fireworks into a metal or glass container
• Never light a “dud” firework; wait 20 minutes, then soak in water
• Douse fallen shards and spent casings with water before discarding

Sparklers: Burn Risk on a Stick

The most innocent of fireworks, sparklers are especially dangerous. What kid hasn’t waved a lit sparkler in the summer night? Truth is, it is best to stick sparklers in the ground, ignite them and leave them to burn out. A sparkler burns at 1200°F —six times the point at which water boils and twice as hot as burning wood.

Protect Your Ears

Consumer fireworks can generate booms and bangs between 150 to 175 decibels. This exceeds WHO’s recommended maximum exposure for adults (140) and children (120). BlackHawk offers tapered bullet foam earplugs made for a comfortable fit that provides a 32-noise reduction rating (NRR). This rating effectively deadens both workplace noise or the booms and bangs of a Fourth of July Celebration.

If you need PPE guidance, our trained professionals at BlackHawk Industrial are happy to help you with any of your questions. We welcome you to contact us here: https://www.bhid.com/ContactUs