Alert no. 121 | 10 August 2026 | Version 1

Fireworks debris strikes spectator

What happened?

• A spectator at a recent fireworks display was injured after being struck by a 30 mm gypsum plug from a vertically fired ‘multi-shot cake’ firework.
• The resulting impact caused considerable swelling above the spectator’s eye and could have resulted in a more serious injury.
  Initial testing arranged by RSHQ found that some gypsum plugs from 30 mm multi shot cakes could fall more than 100 m away.
• RSHQ is engaging with industry to conduct further testing on various size hard break multi-shot cakes and will provide updated advice in the future.

How did it happen?

• The spectator was struck in the forehead by a 30 mm gypsum plug commonly used in ‘hard break’ multi-shot cakes.
• Hard break multi-shot fireworks are defined as those that project a canister containing a firework effect with clay or gypsum plugs.
• The gypsum plug was projected with enough energy to exceed both the minimum default clearance distance and the exclusion zone established by the fireworks operator in charge of the display.
• The incident occurred in an open field with minimal interference from trees and reported favourable wind conditions at ground level.
• RSHQ has undertaken testing in conjunction with the supplier of the fireworks which found gypsum plugs from 30 mm multi-shot cakes could travel more than 100 m.
• It is noted that fireworks without hard break effects – such as crossettes – do not exhibit this issue.
• A hard break is commonly found in various multi-shot cakes and is associated with a loud, sharp, and forceful effect, typically achieved using a dense charge contained within a rigid, confined inner tube.
• Most hard break multi-shot cakes are known to have a gypsum plug built into their design.
• Safety alert 113 – Fireworks injury sparks changes to exclusion zone was issued in December 2023 for similar safety concern for multi-shot cakes with clay (gypsum) plugs.

Fig 1 - Injury to forehead	Fig 2 - Injury to forehead	Fig 3 - Gypsum plug

Recommendations

• Suppliers of fireworks must provide information to the users through technical data sheets/safety data sheets regarding the presence of a gypsum plug and the minimum required clearance distance.
• Fireworks operators must consider this advice in conjunction with the minimum default safety distances outlined in the Queensland code of practice – Control of outdoor fireworks displays (PDF, 1MB) or those supported by fireworks testing results provided by suppliers.
• Display risk assessments must take into consideration wind speed and the firework effect and debris and product safety information and their impact on exclusion zones.
• Operators must have knowledge and experience to understand the various fireworks and their effects.
• In future, RSHQ will engage with industry to conduct further tests and include the learnings in the revised fireworks code of practice for various size hard break multi-shot cakes.
• Refer to previous safety alerts about similar incidents:
  • Explosives safety alert 113 – Fireworks injury sparks changes to exclusion zone published on 7 December 2023
  • Explosives safety alert 93 – Safety distance for fan cakes published on 6 December 2021
  • Explosives important notice no. D – Sellers of display fireworks published on 3 February 2006.

References and further information

• Queensland Code of Practice - Control of Outdoor Fireworks Displays - First edition, 1 December 2003
• Explosives safety alert 113 – Fireworks injury sparks changes to exclusion zone
• Explosives safety alert 93 – Safety distance for fan cakes
• Explosives important notice no. D – Sellers of display fireworks