Pyrotechnics

What are the hazards associated with pyrotechnics?

Serious burns or death resulting from improper handling, storage and use of pyrotechnics.

What can I do to protect myself?

Employees involved in the set-up of fireworks displays should remove all potential sources of ignition, including preventing static electricity in the area where the fireworks are present. Proper clothing (all cotton garments) should be worn when involved in pyrotechnic activities. Never work with pyrotechnics alone. Be sure that fire extinguishers and buckets of water are on site. Finally, but perhaps the most important, always plan for the unexpected when setting up a fireworks display.

What resources are available to assist employers?

These presentations on personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard communication are available and can assist employers in training their staff. The presentation should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards.

In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. 

Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).

Safety and Health Programs

This example program on hazard communication and this PPE hazard assessment can be customized to fit workplace conditions and equipment.

A-Z Safety and Health Topics

A-Z topic pages on process safety management, hazard communication and PPE can provide more resource information. 

Consultation Services

The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.

Which standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards which are applicable to pyrotechnics in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic. 

General Industry

• 29 CFR 1910.109 – explosives and blasting agents

• 29 CFR 1910.119 – process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals

General Duty Clause

• NCGS 95-129(1) - general duty clause (for fireworks displays)

Additional OSH standards applicable to the manufacturing, storage and use of pyrotechnics include:

General Industry

• 29 CFR 1910.132 – personal protective equipment, general requirements

• 29 CFR 1910.133 – eye and face protection

• 29 CFR 1910.138 – hand protection

• 29 CFR 1910.307 – hazardous (classified) locations

• 29 CFR 1910.1200 – hazard communication

Other Applicable Standards

The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite. 

Where can I learn more?

Compliance Documents

• Compliance Directive: CPL 02-01-053, Manufacturing, Storage, Sale, Handling, Use and Display of Pyrotechnics, establishes the enforcement policy and a comprehensive compliance policy for the inspection of workplaces involved in the manufacturing, storage, sale, handling, use and display of pyrotechnics.
• Compliance Directive: CPL 03-00-021, PSM Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program, establishes an OSHA National Emphasis Program (NEP) for inspecting facilities with highly hazardous chemicals (HHCs) in amounts at or greater than the threshold quantities listed in 29 CFR 1910.119 and applies to the manufacture of pyrotechnics where the HHC threshold quantities are reached.

Industry Guides

• Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, includes requirements for standards related to pyrotechnics in general industry.

Technical Assistance

Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.