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New fireworks regulations that recently went into effect in Illinois
should ensure that this year's July 4 celebrations are safer for
everyone. Those regulations require anyone who plans to set off
consumer or professional-grade fireworks to meet safety standards
that will protect the fireworks shooters and spectators, as well as
homes and other property. "When used properly, fireworks displays
are very enjoyable," said David Foreman, state fire marshal.
"Unfortunately, there are many people each year who underestimate
the inherent dangers in fireworks, and their careless or untrained
use results in serious injuries to themselves or to innocent
bystanders. With Illinois' new laws in effect this year, people
handling fireworks will know more about how to use them safely, and
we expect to see fewer serious injuries."
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is promoting fireworks
safety this summer as part of Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich's Keep Cool
Illinois campaign, a statewide effort to help Illinoisans stay cool,
healthy and safe during the summer months. Keep Cool Illinois seeks
to inform Illinois residents on how to prevent heat-related
problems, reduce utility bills and participate in summer activities
safely.
Every year following the Fourth of July, the Office of the State
Fire Marshal surveys Illinois hospitals for information on
fireworks-related injuries. Eighty-nine of the state's 201 hospitals
responded to last year's survey and reported more than 160 people
treated for injuries between June 23 and July 20, 2005. These
injuries included first-, second- and third-degree burns;
lacerations; abrasions; loss of sight; dismemberment; hearing loss;
and other injuries. No fatalities related to fireworks were reported
to the state office for 2005.
Under the regulations, fireworks displays in Illinois are divided
into two categories: consumer fireworks, which include such items as
fountains, repeaters and parachutes; and pyrotechnic displays, which
use professional-grade fireworks such as mortars, cake bundles and
ground displays that depict a picture. Pyrotechnic displays and
consumer displays are permitted only in villages, counties and
municipalities that have passed ordinances allowing such displays.
Several well-known types of fireworks, such as firecrackers of any
size, bottle rockets and Roman candles, are not allowed under the
new regulations.
Novelty fireworks, such as snakes, sparklers and party-poppers,
are not regulated by the state, although municipalities have the
authority to enact an ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of
sparklers on public property. Foreman said that while sparklers are
legal, they present a serious danger because of the high temperature
of the wire during and after its use. Sparklers burn at temperatures
of up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and remain extremely hot long
after the sparks have stopped. In 2005, sparklers accounted for the
highest number of fireworks injuries, ahead of bottle rockets,
firecrackers, Roman candles and M-80s.
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 "Last year in Illinois, about 20 percent of fireworks-related
injuries in Illinois were caused by sparklers, and most of these
injuries were to children," said Foreman. "Parents need to closely
supervise their children if they are playing with sparklers, because
they can be severely burned if they touch the hot wires or a spark
catches their clothing on fire. Ideally, children -- particularly
young children -- shouldn't be allowed to play with sparklers."
In order to shoot consumer fireworks in communities where
allowed, an adult must attend training at their local fire
department and pass a safety and knowledge test, apply for a site
inspection by the fire department, and apply for a permit issued by
their local government. Once a permit has been issued, the consumer
may purchase only approved consumer fireworks from a registered
consumer fireworks distributor or retailer.
Any person, business or unit of local government that puts on an
outdoor pyrotechnic display using display fireworks must either hire
a licensed pyrotechnic distributor or apply for a pyrotechnic
distributor's license. The requirements for a license include a
current license from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms; proof of training conducted by the Illinois Department of
Natural Resources; a fingerprint background check; proof of Illinois
workers' compensation insurance, unless covered by one of the
exemptions to the Workers' Compensation Act; proof of a minimum of
$1 million in product liability and general liability insurance;
proof of a current identification number and a current hazardous
materials registration number from the U.S. Department of
Transportation; and payment of a $500 fee for a three-year license.
Local governmental bodies can pay a reduced fee of $50 for a license
that allows them to do three fireworks displays per year for three
years.
In addition, anyone setting off pyrotechnic displays must be
employed by a licensed pyrotechnic distributor and meet the
following requirements to be licensed as a pyrotechnic operator: a
license or letter of clearance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms; proof of training from the Illinois Department
of Natural Resources; fingerprint background check; and payment of
the license fee. Assistants to the operator must be at least 18
years old and registered with the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Before a professional display can take place, the local fire
department must inspect the site and ensure the display can be
performed safely and in compliance with established standards.
For more information about the new fireworks regulations, visit
www.state.il.us/osfm. For
additional information about the Keep Cool Illinois campaign, visit
www.keepcool.illinois.gov.
[News release from the
Office of the State Fire
Marshal] |
