Search

Remember, New Jersey: Fireworks Are Hazardous Materials

Posted on 5/25/2018 by Roger Marks

This Memorial Day weekend, fireworks displays will be a major attraction at the shore and in communities state-wide.

Fireworks are fun, and they inspire wonder in children and adults alike. jersey-fireworks.jpgBut unlike other holiday necessities like hamburger buns, hot dogs, and paper plates, consumer fireworks are regulated as Division 1.4G explosives when transported on public roads—and for good reason.

See a full schedule of hazmat shipper and hazardous waste courses to meet Federal training mandates and build in-depth compliance expertise - only available in NJ! 

One needs to look no further than New Jersey’s own history for evidence of the dangers fireworks pose. From 1900 to 1930, 4,290 people lost their lives in fireworks accidents—more than were killed in the Revolutionary War, according to NJ.com. In 1937, the New Jersey legislature unanimously passed a measure to ban fireworks, which would remain in place for eighty years. 

(Pictured: The Times of Trenton


Relaxed New Jersey Fireworks Laws

In mid-2017, then New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a measure to relax the state’s fireworks laws by legalizing the possession and sale of “non-explosive, “non-aerial” fireworks like sparklers and snappers.  

fireworks-lady.jpgOrganizations that put on permitted public fireworks displays that involve sky-bound fireworks should know the risks associated with the transport, storage, and use of these explosive devices. To limit the risk posed to the public from the transport of fireworks and other hazmat, US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) maintains stringent regulations in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR).   


How to Ship Fireworks

Every hazmat shipment must include a shipping paper that accurately describes the payload. Fireworks are no different. A shipping paper must include:
 
  • The UN ID number for the material.
  • A Proper Shipping Name.
  • Hazard class or division and packing group (PG).
  • The quantity (in net explosive mass).
  • An EX number on the packaging or shipping paper.
  • The number and type of packages.
  • An emergency contact and telephone number.
Additional requirements come into play for large shipments of Division 1.4G fireworks (1,001 pounds or more), including:
 
  • A CDL-holding hazmat driver with a hazmat endorsement.
  • Proper placards on four sides of the vehicle (EXPLOSIVES, 1.4).
  • A security plan required for shippers and carriers that addresses transport risks, personnel security, en-route security, and unauthorized access.
  • A current hazmat registration certificate issued by PHMSA (for transporters/carriers).
PHMSA has prepared a guidance document for fireworks shippers and transporters here.

In 2015, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) shut down a fireworks hauler for creating an imminent public safety threat by transporting fireworks in plastic grocery bags and failing to comply with many of the hazmat requirements listed above.
 

2 Days, 2 Certificates—RCRA and DOT Hazmat Training in North Jersey

If you manage and ship hazardous waste or hazardous materials, you must know both the US EPA’s RCRA waste management rules and the US DOT’s rules for packaging, labeling, loading, and documenting shipments.

Join an expert Lion instructor on August 14–15 at our brand new Environmental Training Center in Sparta, NJ to update both your RCRA (40 CFR 262.17) and DOT hazmat (49 CFR 172.704) certifications with two-days of interactive, reliable hazardous waste and hazmat training trusted nationwide!
Enroll now to join experienced instructors and professionals and earn IHMM, LSRP, and NEHA credit when you attend next month.
 

Tags: explosives, fireworks, hazmat shipping, PHMSA, Shipping explosives

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

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

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

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

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 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 instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

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

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

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.