Federal Government Warns Of Annual Hazard From Fireworks

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 18, 1979) -- Government safety officials again have urged consumers celebrating Independence Day with fireworks to purchase only "Class C" fireworks and to exercise extreme caution in their use.

The reminder that fireworks and firecrackers can injure and even kill consumers comes from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). CPSC regulate6 the less explosive "Class C" fireworks and ATF regulates "Class B" fireworks which are used for public displays.

CPSC has received a report of one death involving use of fireworks in 1978 and estimates that more than 6,100 injuries occurred from fireworks use last year, according to CPSC Chairman Susan B. King.

Illegal fireworks distributed in Kentucky and West Virginia, for example, resulted in more than 150 injuries within a matter of days. These defective fireworks exploded immediately when lighted, instead of providing the usual delay from the fuse. Twelve young people were treated at one West Virginia hospital and seven lost one or more fingers.

ATF data indicates that the principal cause of fireworks accidents,* however, is their improper use, rather than defects or malfunctions, according to ATF Director G.R. Dickerson. Homemade explosive devices also are involved in numerous fatalities and serious injuries each year.

"Scores of individuals, many of them youngsters, are killed or maimed each year by homemade fireworks and pipe bombs," said Dickerson. These deaths and injuries are in addition to the thousands of accidents caused annually by careless use of legal fireworks.

CPSC regulations have been in-effect since late 1976, limiting the maximum powder charge in firecrackers for consumer use to 50 milligrams (.77 grains, less than 1/8th teaspoon).

These regulations also set performance and labeling requirements for common fireworks devices other than firecrackers.

During this Independence Day period CPSC personnel will be inspecting manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of fireworks sold for consumer use to assure compliance with regulations.

CPSC and ATF recommend that consumers learn their state and local municipality's laws on fireworks control. Some laws allow all "Class C" fireworks; some allow only sparklers or "snakes"; and some ban all "Class C" fireworks.

Specifically, the two agencies advise consumers to take the following precautions with fireworks:

• Make sure that there is a manufacturer's label on all fireworks, as well as instructions for proper use. Illegally manufactured fireworks rarely have either.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place and avoid rough handling which might damage the fuses.
• Provide adult supervision for children and do not allow very young children to handle fireworks.
• Light fireworks only outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry brush or anything which might catch fire, and keep water available.
• Light only one device at a time.
• Dispose of fireworks properly, and soak malfunctioning devices with water to end their possible usage.