Fireworks injury sparks new recommendations for operators
The regulator for fireworks in Queensland has today recommended changes to the way certain fireworks are used, after a woman was hit by fireworks debris.
In September this year, the Toowoomba woman was watching a display and positioned outside of the regulated exclusion zone, when a clay plug struck her on the head.
Luckily, the woman only suffered minor bruising.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) conducted an investigation into the incident and began testing the type of fireworks involved, known as multi-shot cakes.
That resulted in new recommendations to all fireworks contractors and operators in Queensland, increasing the exclusion zones for multi-shot cakes.
RSHQ's Deputy Chief Inspector of Explosives Snezana Bajic said these changes could be lifesaving.
"As soon as we realised the current exclusion zones were insufficient, we began testing to recommend change," said Ms Bajic.
"Most importantly the new exclusion zones will keep spectators safe because at the end of the day, fireworks should always be a fun, family-friendly event where no one gets hurt."
The previous exclusion zone was two times the diameter of the mutli-shot cake, in meters.
The new exclusion zone is two and a half times the diameter of the mutli-shot cake, in meters.
So, where the firework is 20mm in diameter, the exclusion zone will increase from 40 meters to 50 meters.
RSHQ inspectors will conduct further testing in 2024 to encompass a wider range of fireworks products.
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ENDS
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Last updated: 08 Dec 2023
