Operational conditions for pyrotechnician's and single use fireworks licences
These operational conditions are for those who hold a pyrotechnician's licence or a fireworks single use licence.
On this page
- Introduction
- Condition 1: Notification and Notifying Authorities and or Agencies
- Condition 2: Types of Fireworks Displays and Categories
- Condition 3: Responsibilities
- Condition 4: Possession, transport and storage of fireworks
- Condition 5: Preparation of fireworks for a display
- Condition 6: Faulty fireworks
- Condition 7: Safety distances for displays of fireworks
- Condition 8: Model Rockets
Introduction
This document states the standard operational conditions that apply under Section 14 of the NSW Explosives Act 2003 and are imposed on the following licences issued by SafeWork NSW:
- Pyrotechnician’s licence and
- Fireworks single use licence (FSUL)
The Operational Conditions should be read in conjunction with the NSW Explosives Act 2003 the NSW Explosives Regulation 2013 and the General Explosive Licence and Security Clearance Conditions. https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/legal-obligations/legislation
Pyrotechnician licence and Single Use Licence holders operating in NSW are required to comply with these Operational Conditions to achieve compliance with the prescriptive nature of section 14 of the Explosives Act 2003. These Conditions are enforceable and have been developed to assist licence holders to comply with the minimum requirements to conduct a fireworks display safely in NSW.
Non-compliance with the conditions may lead to a range of sanctions, such as, on-the-spot fines, suspension, cancellation of the licence and/or prosecution for breach of licence condition.
To buy, possess, and use authorised fireworks you must hold a current pyrotechnician’s or Fireworks Single Use Licence (FSUL) issued by SafeWork NSW. The licence will specify the types of fireworks, and in the case of aerial shells, the maximum size permitted under your licence.
The NSW Explosives Regulation authorises a pyrotechnician’s licence holder to carry out the following activities:
- Purchasing, possessing, using, storing, and transporting display fireworks.
- Purchasing, possessing, using, storing, and transporting a distress signal (other than for the purpose of a distress signal).
- Purchasing, possessing, using, storing, and transporting a model rocket propellant device containing an ignitable substance or ignitable substances exceeding 62.5 grams in mass.
The NSW Explosives Regulation 2013 authorises a Fireworks (single use) Licence (FSUL) holder, on only one occasion to purchase, possess, use, store, and transport display fireworks.
Separate licences are required to manufacture, import, and supply fireworks. For instance, the supplier of the fireworks must hold an appropriate licence that authorises them to supply fireworks; otherwise, they are supplying the fireworks illegally. A pyrotechnician’s licence or a FSUL does not authorise the holder to sell fireworks.
Additional explosive licences or additional endorsements on a Pyrotechnician’s licence is also required if you are storing or transporting fireworks more than the quantities permitted by Condition 4 of these Conditions.
The conditions stated in this publication are in addition to any conditions listed on or supplied with the licence. Pyrotechnician’s and FSUL licence holders are also required to comply with the conditions imposed on licence holders.
Reference or guidance material, listed in these Conditions, may provide further explanation of a condition and/or refer to an obligation imposed on licence holders under the Explosives Legislation and the Work Health and Safety Legislation.
Related Documents
- Explosives Act 2003
- Explosives Regulation 2013
- Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail (AEC)
- Explosive related definitions are found in Australian Standard AS 2187.0
- Australian Standard (AS) 2187.4, Explosives –storage, transport and use - Part 1: Storage
- Australian Standard (AS) 2187.4, Explosives –storage, transport and use Part 4: Pyrotechnics – Outdoor displays, unless specified by the regulator
- List of Authorised Explosives and Categories of Prohibited Explosives in NSW
- General explosive licence and security clearance conditions under the NSW Explosives Act and Regulation (General Explosive Conditions 2013)
Acronyms
| Definition |
---|---|
FSUL | Fireworks single use licence |
AEC | Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail, commonly known as the Australian Explosive Code |
RFS | Rural Fire Service |
NFD | Notified Fireworks Display |
XFSU | Fireworks Single Use |
NEQ | The mass of explosive material contained in an explosive |
Condition 1: Notification and notifying authorities and/or agencies
Conducting a fireworks display can impact the local area. Notifying the relevant authorities and/or agencies and others, that can be affected by the fireworks display is essential.
Condition 1.1: It is a condition of licence that any type of fireworks display must be notified to SafeWork NSW, at least seven working days prior to the display.
This notification must include:
- Type of fireworks display
- Type of fireworks being used
- Display location
- Name and licence number of the Lead pyrotechnician or Fireworks Single Use Licence Holder and fireworks display assistant/s (if applicable)
Condition 1.2 : It is a condition of licence that any fireworks notification received by SafeWork NSW for an organised display, that is less than seven working days prior to the display, must be accompanied by a letter from the relevant local council or the relevant authority responsible for the area in which the display is to be held, stating they have no objection to the display proceeding.
SafeWork NSW may refuse to acknowledge a notification received within two working days prior to a fireworks display, or where insufficient information has been provided. SafeWork NSW may also implement a final submission date for notifications received, such as New Year’s Eve or long weekends.
Condition 1.3: It is a condition of the licence that when planning a fireworks display, the licence holder is required to notify the following authorities and/or agencies in writing:
- local council –at least seven working days prior to the display
- local area commander of NSW Police Force and/or local NSW Police Force – at least two working days prior to the display
- local NSW Fire and Rescue (and/or Rural Fire Service, where applicable) – at least two working days prior to the display
- other applicable agencies –at least two working days prior to the display or in accordance with the requirements of the agency concerned. For example Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and/or Environmental Protection Agency EPA).
The council may apply conditions for the conduct of a particular notified fireworks event or may object to the fireworks event taking place.
In the instance of a total fire ban, contact Fire and Rescue NSW and/or the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to determine whether there is an exemption for the use of fireworks. Refer to the conditions (https:// www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans/total-fire-ban-rules) of the total fire ban as fireworks may or may not be exempt.
Exemptions will be published in the Total Fire Ban rule in the Government gazette in force at the time https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/gazette
There are some circumstances where you may also need to notify other agencies. Refer to the “Fireworks display checklist” for agencies that may need to be contacted. Depending on the proximity of the display to air paths, animal shelters, aged care facilities. (https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/search?query=fireworks+display+checklist) (catalogue no. SW08132).
Condition 1.4: It is a condition of licence that notified fireworks displays must not proceed if any of the authorities, specified in condition 1.3, raise objections to the event and the Pyrotechnician or Fireworks Single Use licence holder has not been able to resolve those objections with the relevant authority.
Condition 1.5: It is a condition of licence that a fireworks display cannot proceed without the written acknowledgement provided by SafeWork NSW.
- A written acknowledgement for a pyrotechnician notification will be in the form of a Notification of Fireworks Display, prefixed by NFD.
- A written acknowledgement for a Fireworks Single Use notification will be in the form of a licence, prefixed by XFSU.
This acknowledgement confirms the authorisation to possess, store, transport or use fireworks for a display. Without this acknowledgment, a display cannot proceed. Each notification incurs an administrative fee and is placed on a public register.
Condition 1.6: It is a condition of licence that an aquatic licence is obtained from Transport for NSW prior to conducting any notified aquatic fireworks display.
An aquatic licence is required for organised activities (such as fireworks displays) on, or in, navigable waters. For more information contact Transport for NSW or click on the link. https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/maritime-licences/aquatic-event-licences/event-licences
Condition 1.7: It is a condition of licence that any fireworks notification received by SafeWork NSW for an organised display, that is more than three consecutive days and limited to three months at the same location, must be accompanied by a non-objection letter from the relevant council or the relevant authority responsible for the area in which the display is to be held.
An organised fireworks display notification and/ or a firework single use licence may only attract one fee.
Condition 1.8: It is a condition of licence that any fireworks notification received by SafeWork NSW for a theatrical display (only by the holder of a pyrotechnician’s licence not including Fireworks Single Use Licence Holders) that is more than three consecutive days and limited to twelve months at the same location, must be accompanied by a non- objection letter from the relevant council or the relevant authority responsible for the area in which the display is to be held.
An theatrical fireworks display notification and/ or a firework single use licence may only attract one fee.
Condition 1.9: It is a condition of licence that fireworks single use licence holders are only eligible to conduct fireworks displays for a maximum of four occasions in any twelve (12) month calendar period.
SafeWork NSW considers multiple displays conducted at the same location over a maximum of three consecutive days to be a single occasion that requires a single notification and fee. This commences from the first notified display date.
Condition 1.10: It is a condition of licence that, if a notified display is postponed or cancelled, or there are any changes the holder of a pyrotechnician’s licence or fireworks single use licence must notify SafeWork NSW of the change within 48 hours of becoming aware of the change. The notification of the change must be received in writing.
Condition 2: Types of fireworks displays and categories
Condition 2.1: It is a condition of licence that the type of fireworks display must be specified in the fireworks display notification to SafeWork NSW. Where the venue or display qualifies for multiple types of fireworks displays, all types must be specified.
The following are permitted types of fireworks displays:
- Outdoor displays–a display of fireworks outside of buildings or shelter, including but not limited to a show, festival, fete, outdoor stadium event, sporting event, or rooftop display.
- Indoor displays–a display of fireworks inside of buildings or shelter, including but not limited to a musical concert, theatrical performance, indoor stadium event, or wedding reception.
- Technical non-display–the use of fireworks not for the purpose of performing a display for an audience, including but not limited to evaluating the safety or performance of fireworks, or generating practical pyrotechnic effects (e.g., to scare birds, or to track drain reticulation), or operating model rockets.
Excluding the pyrotechnic promotion, sale, assembly, disassembly or modification of fireworks.
Condition 2.2: It is a condition of licence that the use of fireworks is only permitted where there has been a notified display to SafeWork NSW.
This applies to all notified fireworks displays mentioned in Condition 1 and Condition 2.1.
Condition 2.3: It is a condition of licence that events using fireworks and/or other explosives for practical special effects in film and television industries excluding theatrical displays for entertainment, may be notified, and conducted only by a current Blasting Explosives User Licence (BEUL) holder that is specifically endorsed for special effects.
Theatrical devices such as spark, flame and smoke generators that contain no explosive material are not subject to explosive licensing or these conditions, however they may represent ignition sources capable of initiating fireworks and are subject to standard risk management obligations under Work Health and Safety legislation.
The use of all such devices, and any dangerous goods or combustible materials involved in their operation at a fireworks display, must form part of the documented fireworks display risk assessment. Fireworks must always be stored, prepared, and used a safe distance from devices and materials capable of initiating fireworks or items vulnerable to damage by fireworks.
Condition 2.4: It is a condition of licence that licensed pyrotechnicians can only possess and use the types of fireworks specified on their licence and notification for the notified display.
Specifications on the licence include:
a. Ground display fireworks
Display fireworks that primarily function on the ground, and which may project stars, novelty, and other effects above the ground, e.g., mines, roman candles, lances, fountains, comets, multi-shot cakes and wheels.
b. Aerials or aerial display shells
Display fireworks that are designed to be projected from a mortar tube by means of a lifting charge and to burst in the air, displaying stars, comets, rings, serpents, crackers, streamers, or other effects. Where a pyrotechnician’s licence authorises the use of aerial shells, the licence specifies the maximum size aerial shell that can be used under the licence; A FSUL does not authorise the holder to buy, possess or use aerial shells.
c. Salutes
Aerial shells that are designed to produce a single loud report on bursting in the air. Their receipt and use must be specified on the licence. They are known to disturb animals, particularly dogs and horses, therefore care and consultation are required to ensure that neighbours can protect their animals. Salutes larger than 75mm are prohibited in NSW.
d. Theatrical pyrotechnics (close proximity)
Pyrotechnic articles assigned to compatibility group G and S that are specifically designed for use at close proximity to performers, audiences, and structures; typically used indoors (e.g., stage or studio) for theatre, concert, film, and television productions; include gerbs, fountains, flash pots, fireballs, flame, or smoke effects involving pyrotechnics. Further information on compatibility groups can be found in AS2187.1 Explosives –Storage, transport, and use –Part 1: Storage.
e. Chinese string fireworks
Chinese celebration rolls or strings of Chinese firecrackers produce a rapid, loud series of reports and can cause disturbance to neighbours and animals. Consideration must be given to those likely to be adversely affected. Refer to Conditions 3.1g and 3.1h of this document.
f. Model rockets
A model rocket propellant device containing an ignitable substance or ignitable substances exceeding 62.5 grams in mass received by a person who is a member of a recognised model rocket club and holds a pyrotechnician’s licence endorsed for the use of such devices.
Condition 2.5: It is a condition of licence is that Chinese fireworks including celebration rolls or strings are used in accordance with the following requirements:
a. The licence holder must ensure any loose firecrackers that unintentionally detach from a Chinese celebration roll or string are accounted for, removed from the firing site, and handled in accordance with regulatory requirements.
b. The licence holder must ensure that Chinese fireworks including celebration rolls or strings must be suspended a minimum of 3m (or in accordance with the supplier’s recommendations, whichever is greater) away from any building, vehicle, or other property likely to be damaged by exploding fireworks.
c. The licence holder must ensure that the area within a 10m radius or greater (in accordance with the supplier’s recommendations) of the string of fireworks must be cleared of all spectators. Only those lighting the fireworks and the lion dancers are permitted in the cleared area while the fireworks are lit and functioning.
d. The licence holder must provide hearing protection. Hearing protection should be worn for anyone required to be within the 10m radius (e.g., performers) while the fireworks are lit and functioning.
e. The licence holder must ensure that all debris resulting from the firing of Chinese celebration rolls or strings of Chinese fireworks are made safe after firing. All hazardous debris must be swept-up and placed in a suitable receptacle by the licence holder so that control of the hazardous debris containing unfired fireworks is maintained.
Handling of Chinese fireworks, including celebration rolls or strings, that have been intentionally separated into individual firecrackers, is an offence under the NSW Explosives Regulation 2013 and carries a maximum penalty of $27,500 or a $1,000 on-the-spot fine.
Condition 2.6: It is a condition of licence that fireworks single use licence holders are only authorised to use the type of fireworks specified on the SafeWork NSW issued licence.
Condition 3: Responsibilities
Condition 3.1: It is a condition of licence that the licence holder must:
a. Possess, use, store, and transport display fireworks in a safe manner.
b. Only use fireworks according to the specifications of the fireworks manufacturer.
c. Ensure all equipment is in good repair and appropriate to the requirements of the fireworks event.
d. Comply with any conditions imposed by any federal, state, or local government authority having jurisdiction over fireworks events.
e. Comply with AS 2187.4, Pyrotechnics –Outdoor displays.
f. Obtain liability insurance for all displays undertaken by a pyrotechnician, even if the event is for charity.
g. Provide verifiable advance notice to those people who might be affected by the display, such as neighbours of the display site.
Verifiable advance notices may be in the form of, but not limited to typed letterbox drops, notice in local paper, community notice board, and community social media.
h. Obtain written approval from stables, kennels, or veterinary clinics within 500m, and provide verifiable notification to owners of animal sanctuaries between 500-1000m of the firing site.
Risk Management
Condition 3.2: It is a condition of licence that the licence holder must:
a. Undertake and produce on request to SafeWork NSW or an Inspector, an electronic or hard copy of a site-specific written risk assessment that ensures the safety of all persons, property and animals that may be affected by the fireworks event.
b. Complete the risk assessment prior to the display.
b (i) The risk assessment must include:
- a site sketch or diagram outlining the display, with positioning and firing points of fireworks.
- the transport and storage of fireworks.
- safe systems of work that include addressing preparation, supervision, observation, operation, and cessation (where applicable).
- the provision for suitable distances, ensuring ‘fall safe’ of all hazardous debris and malfunctioned fireworks.
b (ii) Hazardous debris is material likely to cause a fire, injury to persons or damage to property and it may include items such as sparks and embers.
- the suitability of the display area.
- weather conditions and the monitoring of these throughout the display.
- excessive noise.
- accidental ignition.
- the security of pyrotechnics or fireworks; prior, during and post display securing supports.
- the angle of launch or firing.
- the consequences of misfires or the malfunction of pyrotechnics or fireworks.
- the disposal of malfunctioning pyrotechnics or fireworks.
- emergency planning and response.
- adequate water supply to the area.
- adequate lighting of work areas.
- controls to prevent neighbouring buildings being affected by smoke and, or hazardous debris from the fireworks display.
c. Inspect all fireworks prior to the fireworks event. Mark and set aside any damaged or faulty fireworks to prevent use.
d. Inspect all equipment prior to the fireworks event. Mark and set aside any damaged or faulty equipment to prevent use.
e. Ensure there is a minimum of two people conducting each outdoor firework display and that they are 18 years of age or over. They must be trained and competent in the safe operation of the fireworks being used.
f. Ensure there is a system in place that only allows for a person who holds a current security clearance or a fireworks single use licence to be left unsupervised with fireworks.
Security personnel that do not hold a security clearance for handling explosives can only be left unsupervised if the fireworks cannot be accessed.
g. Ensure all persons directly involved or assisting in the fireworks event always use appropriate personal protective equipment during set-up, display and following the display.
h. Instruct and supervise assistants and observers prior to the display on their specific duties during the fireworks event.
i. Ensure adequate provision of security and first aid as they relate to the fireworks used in the display.
j. Ensure that steel mortar tubes, concussion mine racks or metal components – excluding the applications permitted below – are not used under any circumstances, unless permitted in writing by SafeWork NSW.
The following metal items may be used without written permission from SafeWork NSW:
i. metal star pickets for defining barriers for crowd control.
ii. nails, screws, staples, wire, or strapping used to secure non-metallic mortars, tubes, base plugs, racks, firing lines, etc.
iii. round metal rods used to secure non-metallic items –such as cake boxes or individual fireworks – into the ground to ensure the stability and direction of the firework items contained within the box (these rods are to be securely hammered into the ground).
iv. steel posts and pickets used to support a set-piece.
v. metal pegs driven into the ground, to secure mortar racks and frames.
vi. large steel bins, such as skips or mini skips, in which mortars are supported in sand. The mortars must be located no closer than a distance equal to the size of the largest shell to be used. The base end of the mortars in the bin must be positioned on a firm base, e.g., 100mm of compacted sand and are adequately secured, by burying, a minimum of three times the diameter of the mortar used.
Documentation and reporting
Condition 3.3 : It is a condition of licence that the licence holder must:
a. Keep a documented record of all fireworks events with details of the following:
i. date, time, and location of each fireworks event.
ii. verifiable identification document for all pyrotechnicians and assistants involved in the fireworks event, for example a government issued driver’s licence or security clearance.
iii. quantities and types of pyrotechnic devices brought to, used at, and removed from the display site.
iv. Incidents, such as malfunctions, misfires, near misses or any other unusual behaviour associated with the fireworks.
b. A NSW Police Force event number must be obtained and recorded by the pyrotechnician or FSUL holder in the event of any serious incident, for example injury to persons, loss or theft relating to the handling of fireworks.
A licence holder must give the regulatory authority (SafeWork NSW and NSW Police Force) notice of any serious incident, for example injury to persons, loss or theft relating to the handling of any explosives or explosive precursors to which the licence relates, as per clauses 102 and 103 of the Explosives Regulation 2013. To provide notice to SafeWork NSW, call 13 10 50. To provide notice to NSW Police, notice must be given to a NSW Police Officer.
Condition 4: Possession, transport and storage of fireworks
Condition 4.1: It is a condition of licence that only the current pyrotechnician’s licence or fireworks single use licence holders can purchase fireworks. Only current pyrotechnician’s licence, fireworks single use licence or a security clearance for handling explosives licence holders can receive fireworks.
Condition 4.2 : It is a condition of licence that pyrotechnician’s licence or fireworks single use licence holders are not permitted to transport fireworks exceeding Category 1 (low risk) quantities (as per the Australian Explosives Code (AEC) TABLE 2.1 Risk Categories for Explosives) or store more than an aggregate quantity of 50 kg NEQ (Net Explosive Quantity) of fireworks classified 1.3G, 1.4G, unless additionally authorised on the pyrotechnician’s licence, or separately licenced to transport and/or store explosives.
Condition 4.3: It is a condition of licence that fireworks may only be possessed, transported, and stored within five working days of a fireworks display that has been notified to and acknowledged by SafeWork NSW. Only those fireworks specified in the notification may be possessed, transported, and stored within the five-day period.
Condition 4.4: It is a condition of licence that in the event of a cancellation or postponement of a notified display, fireworks must be returned within five working days after the cancellation or postponement date to the supplier or stored at a facility licensed to store those fireworks.
If fireworks are to be stored at another licenced facility, it is essential that the licenced quantities are not exceeded by accepting extra product.
Classification of fireworks
Clause 88 of the Explosives Regulation 2013 states that a person who stores or transports an explosive (firework) of one hazard division with another hazard division must store or transport the explosives in accordance with the requirements of the hazard division that has precedence in the circumstances in accordance with the AEC.
For example, where fireworks of different hazard divisions are transported or stored together, the combined load is classified with the highest hazard division in the load. Therefore, any load containing 1.3G fireworks is classified 1.3G, and any load containing only 1.4G and 1.4S fireworks is classified 1.4G.
Fireworks must be classified by the supplier or manufacturer in accordance with the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria as in force or remade from time to time, or the Default Fireworks Classification Table in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code as in force or remade from time to time. SafeWork NSW may accept or reject the classification of a firework or reclassify a firework. To check the classification of a firework refer to the SafeWork NSW List of Authorised Explosives and Categories of Prohibited Explosives in NSW.
Transport of fireworks
Condition 4.5: It is a condition of licence that the transport of fireworks, for a notified display, exceeding Category 1 (low risk) quantities (as per AEC TABLE 2.1 Risk Categories for Explosives), requires a licence to transport explosives unless it is additionally authorised on the pyrotechnician’s licence.
Condition 4.6: It is a condition of licence that the transport of fireworks must comply with the AEC.
Condition 4.7: It is a condition of licence that fireworks must be transported in closed, approved packages that are marked and labelled in accordance with the AEC.
Storage of fireworks
Condition 4.8: It is a condition of licence that overnight storage of fireworks up to five working days before a notified display is only permitted at the address specified in the pyrotechnician’s licence or fireworks single use licence. If the overnight storage of fireworks is at another location, the alternate location must be specified in the display notification and a risk assessment must be provided with the display application.
Condition 4.9: It is a condition of licence that 50 kg NEQ is the maximum quantity that can be stored at a single address regardless of the number of licensed pyrotechnicians residing at the address, unless the site is separately licensed to store explosives.
Condition 4.10: It is a condition of licence that fireworks must be stored in a secure location so that they cannot be accessed by persons without a current security clearance or a fireworks single use licence or children.
Condition 4.11: It is a condition of licence that fireworks must be stored in closed, approved packages that are marked and labelled in accordance with the AEC.
Condition 4.12: It is a condition of licence that fireworks must be stored safely.
For example:
- in a locked and labelled cupboard lined with timber and without internal metallic projections, located in accordance with separation distances defined in this section.
- Fireworks must be segregated from ignition sources, combustible material, dangerous goods, and places where people regularly assemble.
- Best practice is to store fireworks in a secure detached building at the appropriate separation distance. As per the requirements of Australian Standard AS2187.1. Explosives –Storage, transport, and use –Part 1: Storage
Condition 4.13: It is a condition of licence that the storage of fireworks greater than 250kg NEQ must comply with the SafeWork NSW Position Paper titled; Storage of large quantities (greater than 250kg NEQ) of fireworks in NSW.
Separation distances for storage of fireworks
Condition 4.14: It is a condition of licence that fireworks of hazard divisions 1.3 and 1.4 must be segregated in storage at a distance of at least 10m from each other, otherwise the entire storage will be treated as hazard division 1.3.
Condition 4.15: It is a condition of licence that fireworks must be stored at the approved separation distances from protected works, specified in Figure 1 and Figure 2, to minimise the consequences of any unplanned explosion.
The approved storage separation distance is not less than 0.5m from protected works for each 1 kg NEQ of fireworks, with a minimum of 10m.
Table 1: Separation distances for storage of fireworks
Fireworks NEQ 1.3G and 1.4G | Distance to protected works |
---|---|
<20kg | 10m |
30kg | 15m |
40kg | 20m |
50kg | 25m |
50-100kg (class 1.4 only) | 25m |
Formula: 1kg (NEQ) = ½ metre, with a minimum of 10m |
Figure 1: Safety distances to protected works for storage of fireworks (less than 50kg)
Note: The safety distances in figure 2 apply to the total NEQ kilograms for all fireworks of classification codes 1.3G and 1.4G
Table 2: Definitions (as per AS 2187, Explosives – storage, transport, and use)
Protected works | Public street, road or thoroughfare, railway, navigable waterway, dock, wharf, pier or jetty, marketplace, public recreation and sports ground or other open place where the public is accustomed to assemble, open place of work in another occupancy, river-wall, seawall, reservoir, water main (above ground), radio or television transmitter, main electrical substation, private road which is the principal means of access to a church, chapel, college, school, hospital or factory. |
Protected works | Dwelling house, public building, church, chapel, college, school, hospital, theatre, cinema or other building or structure where the public is accustomed to assemble, shop, factory, warehouse, store, building in which any person is employed in any trade or business, depot for the keeping of flammable or dangerous goods, major dam. |
Condition 5.16: It is a condition of licence that 1.3G fireworks must be separated from a vulnerable facility by not less than 90m.
Definitions (as per AS 2187, Explosives –storage, transport, and use)
Table 3: Vulnerable facility
Vulnerable facility | Category of facility that includes, but is not restricted to, the following:
|
Condition 5: Preparation of fireworks for a display
Condition 5.1: It is a condition of licence that fireworks must be prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s and/or supplier’s operating and safety instructions.
Condition 5.2: It is a condition of licence that electric means of ignition is mandatory for all:
a. salute shells.
b. aerial shells greater than or equal to 100mm (4 inches) in diameter, or where multiple racks are secured together.
c. fireworks on floating vessels and floating platforms.
Condition 5.3: It is a condition of licence that a documented safety system is required for installing electrical igniters to any fireworks devices.
The safety system must include the procedures for safely attaching igniters to fireworks and the precautions necessary to safely transport, store and otherwise handle a firework with an igniter attached.
Condition 5.4: It is a condition of licence that the transport of aerial shells greater than or equal to 200mm (8 inches) calibre, with electric igniters attached, is not permitted by any individual.
Condition 5.5: It is a condition of licence that the transport of aerial shells less than 200mm (8 inches) calibre with electric igniters attached is only permitted where the pyrotechnician has included in the safety system:
a. procedures for safely attaching igniters to shells.
b. the precautions taken to safely transport a shell with an igniter attached.
Condition 5.6: It is a condition of licence that the transport on public roads of shells loaded in mortar tubes is not permitted without written approval from SafeWork NSW requested through SafeWork NSW Inspectors.
Condition 5.7: It is a condition of licence that any alterations or penetrations into the fireworks article or device are not permitted.
NOTE: this does not include the installation of electrical igniters conducted under a documented safety system.
Condition 5.8: It is a condition of licence that minor repairs that do not change the performance characteristics of the fireworks are permitted by a licensed pyrotechnician.
Condition 6: Faulty fireworks
Condition 6.1: It is a condition of licence that at the conclusion of a fireworks display, all unexploded and unused fireworks must be accounted for and made safe.
Condition 6.2: It is a condition of licence that if the failure to fire was due to an electrical ignition failure only (i.e., no ignition of the electric igniter), salvage of the firework is possible if the electrical igniter’s exposed copper wires are shunted to prevent electrical ignition. The firework must be handled and stored in a safe manner and under a documented safety system.
Condition 6.3: It is a condition of licence that faulty fireworks that have malfunctioned should be made safe in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and then handled and stored in a safe manner and under a documented safety system.
Condition 6.4: It is a condition of licence that where a firework has not performed as expected, the licence holder must inform the manufacturer or supplier.
Condition 6.5: It is a condition of licence that faulty fireworks must be packaged, labelled, and transported in accordance with the AEC.
Condition 6.6: It is a condition of licence that a licence holder must dispose of faulty fireworks only in accordance with the instructions of the supplier, manufacturer or with guidance from the regulator.
Condition 6.7: It is a condition of licence that under no circumstances should faulty fireworks be disposed of by burning by the pyrotechnician or by any person other than those who possess a licence to manufacture explosives.
Condition 7: Safety distances for displays of fireworks
Condition 7.1: It is a condition of licence that the minimum clearance distances for a fireworks display must comply with the following:
Table 4: Minimum Clearance Distance
Item | Minimum clearance distance |
---|---|
a. inside of any residence, tent, caravan, temporary structure or motor vehicle | Not permitted unless specifically notified to and approved by SafeWork |
b. distance to any residence, tent, caravan, temporary structure or motor vehicle | 50m |
c. distance to any temporary store of fireworks at the display site | 10m |
d. lateral distance to any overhead obstructions such as trees, power lines, mobile phone towers or roofs | 10m |
e. distance to any place where explosives, flammable liquids or other flammable substances are manufactured or stored above ground in bulk | 250m |
f. distance to places of public assembly that are scheduled for use at the time of the display (e.g. hospital, nursing home, home for the aged, childcare centre, educational facility, theatre, cinema or church) | 250m – The distance may be reduced where the facility owner or manager has provided specific written approval. |
g. distance to any place where animals are kept (e.g. animal shelter, stables, kennels or poultry farm) | 500m – The distance may be reduced where the facility owner or manager has provided specific written approval. |
Condition 7.2: It is a condition of licence that at the firing site the licence holder must establish an exclusion zone during set up of display to ensure no unauthorised access to fireworks.
Condition 7.3: It is a condition of licence that only persons authorised by the pyrotechnician shall be within the exclusion zone during the preparation, firing and clean-up of the display.
Condition 7.4: It is a condition of licence that there must be no spectators, fire risk dangerous goods, dwellings or spectator parking areas located within the exclusion zone. The exclusion zone should be established as soon as possible after arrival at site and no fireworks shall be removed from a vehicle until the exclusion zone is established. At the conclusion of the display, clean-up shall not commence within the exclusion zone until clearance is given by the Pyrotechnician.
AS2187.4 – Explosives, Storage, transport, and use – Part 4: Pyrotechnicians – Outdoor displays requires that the Pyrotechnician or Fireworks Single Use Licence Holder shall liaise with the organiser of the display with respect to the security requirements for the display site. This includes appropriate measures to prevent access by spectators and other unauthorised persons to a display site for the duration of time where all pyrotechnic substances are present, including prior to, during and after the display, until all unfired or misfired fireworks are removed.
Condition 7.5: It is a condition of licence that the minimum clearance distance for an outdoor fireworks display must comply with AS2187.4 Explosives – Storage, transport, and use – Part 4 – Pyrotechnics – outdoor displays, as specified in the following tables. For close-proximity fireworks, the manufacturer or suppliers’ recommendations apply.
Table 5: Minimum exclusion zone – ground level display
Display fireworks | Minimum exclusion zone (m) |
---|---|
Set pieces:
|
|
Fountains, revolving fountains and flares | 20m |
Mine bags, multi-shot box items, roman candles, comets and mines | 30m |
Table 6: Minimum exclusion zone – aerial shells, single break
Size of aerial shell (diameter) | Minimum exclusion zone |
---|---|
<75mm | 30m |
75mm | 30m |
100mm | 50m |
125mm | 70m |
150mm | 100m |
175mm | 120m |
200mm | 140m |
250mm | 170m |
300mm | 200 |
>300 | On application to SafeWork |
Condition 7.6: It is a condition of licence that where the spread of shells is greater than the listed minimum clearance distance, the minimum clearance distance must be increased accordingly.
Condition 7.7: It is a condition of licence that if mortars for the firing of aerial shells or salutes are angled at more than 20 degrees to the vertical, the listed minimum clearance distances in the direction of flight must be doubled.
Condition 7.8: It is a condition of licence that for multi-breaks, the listed minimum exclusion zone must be increased to that for the largest aerial shell within the article.
Condition 7.9: It is a condition of licence that no aerial shell can be fired from a roof top without the approval of SafeWork NSW.
Condition 8: Model Rockets
Condition 8.1: It is a condition of licence that a pyrotechnicians licence that is endorsed for the use of a model rocket propellant device containing an ignitable substance or ignitable substances exceeding 62.5 grams in mass, the licence holder must also be a member of a recognised model rocket club for the use of such devices.
Part 4.4 of the ‘List of authorised explosives and categories of prohibited explosives in NSW’ provides information for model rocket devices that are prohibited in NSW.
View the List of authorised explosives and categories of prohibited explosives in NSW (PDF, 778.16 KB).