Fireworks training starts grass fire | Resources Safety & Health Queensland
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Explosives safety alert no. 79 | 20 December 2013 | Version 1

Fireworks training starts grass fire

What happened?

A fireworks operator was demonstrating to a trainee how to ignite fireworks by fuse ignition approximately fifty metres away from the display set-up area. In the dry conditions a grass fire started and attempts to extinguish the fire failed. The grass fire quickly spread to the fireworks that were already set up for the display. Several of the display fireworks initiated unintentionally. Emergency services were called and the fire was extinguished.

Recommendations

  1. Know the behavior and performance of your products and equipment. Fuses are used to start fires. Fuses were responsible for major fires in Carmel in Western Australia and at Oxley in Brisbane during workshop activities.
  2. Be aware of local conditions and ensure the site is suitable for all activities to be undertaken. If the site is suitable, conduct a risk assessment and ensure appropriate control measures are in place. Isolate fuses from the sources of combustion such as dry grass and provide appropriate firefighting equipment for the conditions. Ensure trained and knowledgeable people can use the equipment. Providing the minimum requirements is not always adequate.
  3. Assess that the site is suitable for fire safety. Consider specific site conditions such as condition of vegetation, dryness, wind speed and direction against the fire warning signs showing the levels of alert. If in doubt, consult the local fire services.
  4. Undertake training in controlled conditions to minimise the risk.
  5. Review your emergency plan and procedures to ensure all operators and assistants are trained and that the plan is suitable for the types of emergencies that may arise.
  6. Review safety management systems to ensure suitable controls and procedures are in place for all activities to be undertaken to address these recommendations
  7. Ensure everyone involved in these activities knows their role and responsibilities, comply with the safety management system and standard operating procedures and that the control measures in place are based upon the need for the situation and not any stated minimum requirements.

Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.

We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.

Authorised by Geoff Downs - Chief Inspector of Explosives

Contact: Manager, Explosives Licensing , +61 7 3199 8057

Issued by Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines

Safety: This information is a guide only and is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RSHQ respectfully acknowledges all Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the country on which we live and work. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and commit to ongoing reconciliation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.