Search
Search

Celebrating with Class 1 Explosives

Posted on 6/28/2024 by Lion Technology Inc.

In the US, on warm nights in the first week of July, Americans watch as the sky erupts in a symbol of pride for the place they call home.

Part of why most viewers love this experience (without ever having to consider it) is that we get to enjoy it from a safe distance—hundreds of feet away. The reality is that trained safety professionals have to handle these hazardous materials up close for the show to go on.

Celebrating with Class 1 Explosives

Fireworks As Hazardous Materials

In transportation, most fireworks are regulated as Class 1 explosives and so are subject to extensive requirements for packaging, markings and labels, and documentation. Employees who prepare and handle hazmat shipments must complete required hazmat training (Hazmat Training FAQ).

Based on hazmat incident reporting data available from US DOT/PHMSA, transportation incidents involving fireworks are fortunately relatively rare. Since 2010, common causes of incidents that included a release of a Division 1.4G hazardous material include:

  • Failure to block and brace cargo
  • Dropped packages and containers
  • Packages punctured with forklifts or sharp objects

More frequently, reported incidents involve undeclared fireworks—in other words, packages or containers that are not marked or labeled to indicate the presence of hazardous materials. These packages were often discovered at freight sorting facilities, by air carriers, or during transportation.

Did you know? PHMSA proposed a rule in November 2023 to relax some regulations related to approvals for "ground devices"—firecrackers, crackling balls and strips, some sparklers, and more. 

When Shipping Fireworks Goes Wrong

Back in 2022, Independence Day started a week early in New Jersey. A tractor-trailer caught fire on Route 287, and that fire spread to the cargo—10,000 pounds of fireworks. The video below from News 12 NJ shows the impromptu display that motorists saw that night.

Upcoming Hazmat Training Workshops

Develop a step-by-step process to ship hazardous materials/dangerous goods by ground and air, in full compliance with US DOT and international regulations. These upcoming workshops are built to help satisfy 49 CFR (DOT) and IATA DGR training mandates for shippers and "hazmat employees."

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)

Tags: fireworks, hazardous materials, hazmat, hazmat shipping

Find a Post

Recent Posts

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Decrease spill, release, and injury risk and increase savings with these "source reduction" strategies to prevent unused chemicals from becoming regulated as hazardous waste.

Download
Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.