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

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

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.