June ToolBox Talk: Firework Safety

As the Fourth of July holiday season approaches, please take a moment to remember to be safe while celebrating with family and friends.

If you decide to purchase consumer fireworks, follow these safety steps:

• ​Make sure consumer fireworks are legal in your area, before buying or using them. (View Fact Sheet)
• Never use or make professional-grade fireworks.
• Do not buy or use fireworks that are packaged in brown paper; this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and are not for consumer use.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person or occupied area.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them quickly.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.

For more information, visit the fireworks safety education center and check for fireworks recalls at CPSC.gov.

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