OSHA Assistance for the Pyrotechnics Industry is a product of the agency's recent alliance with the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA).
"The technical guidance on these pages will provide useful information to help assure the safety and health of workers in the pyrotechnic industry," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "Through our alliance with APA, we have worked closely with industry experts in providing timely, accurate and relevant information to those who need it. With Independence Day celebrations just around the corner, we hope this information can help reduce the number of incidents that occur in commercial pyrotechnic displays."
The new Web pages describe common hazards and controls found in the pyrotechnics industry and contain information for both fireworks retail sales workers and display operators. OSHA has also included two new posters, developed jointly with the APA, which offers safety tips for display operators and for individuals involved in retail fireworks sales. The development of the posters is a direct byproduct of the alliance with APA.
The site also references other federal standards associated with the industry, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which addresses consumer usage. The OSHA Web site only addresses firework retail sales and commercial pyrotechnic displays. Best industry practices from the APA are demonstrated in streaming videos based upon National Fire Protection Association consensus standards. Additional videos illustrate how to safely celebrate with ground, aerial and waterborne fireworks displays.
Future sections in the pyrotechnic safety and health page will include detailed discussions focusing on fireworks manufacturing and transportation.