Consumer Fireworks Safety

We sometimes forget that family fireworks are not toys. Family fireworks are, in fact, powerful pyrotechnic articles and, for this reason, both the sale and purchase of them are restricted. The Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada tests fireworks and approves those that are safe to transport, store, handle, and use.  To ensure a fun but safe family fireworks display, please see Safety Instructions at the bottom of this page.

What Is a Sparkler?

-- All fireworks are not created equal! A sparkler, burns over a long period of time and produces a brilliant shower of sparks. Sometimes sparklers are called 'snowballs' in reference to the ball of sparks that surrounds the burning part of the sparkler.

How Does it Work?
A sparkler consists of a chemical mixture that is molded onto a rigid stick or wire. These chemicals often are mixed with water to form a slurry that can be coated on a wire (by dipping) or poured into a tube. Once the mixture dries, you have a sparkler. Aluminum, iron, steel, zinc or magnesium dust or flakes may be used to create the bright, shimmering sparks. The metal flakes heat up until they are incandescent and shine brightly or, at a high enough temperature, actually burn. A variety of chemicals can be added to create colors. The fuel and oxidizer are proportioned, along with the other chemicals, so that the sparkler burns slowly rather than exploding. Once one end of the sparkler is ignited, it burns progressively to the other end. In theory, the end of the stick or wire is suitable to support it while burning.

Important Reminders
Obviously, sparks cascading off of a burning stick present a fire and burn hazard. Less obviously, sparklers contain one or more metals to create the sparks and any colors, so they can present a health hazard. For example, they should not be burned on cakes as candles or otherwise used in a manner which could lead to consumption of the ash. So use sparklers safely and have fun!

 

To ensure a fun but safe family fireworks display,
it is important that you follow the simple safety
procedures outlined below.

Purchasing and Storing
-- Follow your local and provincial/territorial laws regarding the purchase, possession and use of family fireworks; some municipalities restrict sale to certain times of the year while others prohibit the use of family fireworks altogether or do not allow the sale of certain types of family fireworks.
-- Only Purchase Authorized Fireworks From Reliable Dealers.
-- You must be 18 years of age to purchase fireworks.
-- All authorized fireworks will have a bilingual label.
-- Making your own fireworks is prohibited.
-- Do not be tempted to try to smuggle fireworks into Canada from another country (e.g., the United States). In addition to this practice being illegal and subject to heavy fines, fireworks that are not authorized in Canada may be very violent or of dubious quality and thus constitute a safety hazard to you and your children.
-- Always store fireworks in a cool, dry place and keep them away from children.
-- Check instructions for special handling directions.
-- The maximum amount of fireworks that can be stored in a dwelling is 10 kg gross weight. Any amount in excess of this must be stored in a separate, locked building.

Transportation
-- Do Not Transport Fireworks in the Passenger Compartment
of a Vehicle, always put them in the trunk. In the absence of a trunk (e.g., van or pick-up truck), transport fireworks in a non-sparking container with a lid.
-- Do not smoke while loading, transporting or unloading fireworks.

Set-Up
-- Never use fireworks indoors; they are designed for outdoor use only.
-- Always use fireworks in an open area away from buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions, and dry brush/grass (which could catch fire).
-- A minimum clear area of 30 m by 30 m for aerial family fireworks, such as Roman candles, and 20 m by 20 m for fountains and other ground-based items is recommended.

-- Check wind direction and wind speed; fireworks should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from spectators.
-- Don’t set off aerial fireworks in strong winds.
-- Keep a charged hose or bucket of water close by in case of a malfunction or fire.
-- Carefully read all the instructions for each firework item ahead of time.

-- Always light ground-based fireworks (fountains, mines) on a hard, flat and level surface to ensure stability of the item. Grass is typically not suitable; lay down wood/plywood.
-- For aerial fireworks (Roman candles), bury (do not pile) the device to half it’s length in the ground or in a large pail or box filled with earth or sand.
-- Keep all spectators at least 30 m away.

Firing
-- Protect your eyes with safety glasses or safety goggles. Regular prescription glasses or sunglasses provide little or no protection and may actually contribute to an injury.
--   Wear non-flammable clothing such as cotton; never wear synthetic fibres (nylon, polyester) when firing.
-- Never let children handle, play with or fire fireworks under any circumstances. Even sparklers, which are considered by many as "safe" fireworks for children, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing.
-- Take care when handling fireworks to prevent dropping them.
-- Do not carry fireworks in your pockets.
-- Never smoke while handling fireworks.
-- When lighting, never put any part of your body or head over the firework; never hand hold them or insert them into other means of containment such as pipes; and never point or throw them at people.
-- During the show, store the unused fireworks away from the firing area and keep them covered to prevent stray sparks from prematurely setting them off.
-- Never attempt to re-light fireworks that have misfired (duds). Wait 30 minutes and then place them in a bucket of water.
-- Wait 30 minutes after the display has finished. Check the firing area for duds, clean up all debris, and check it again the next morning.