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

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

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.