Title: Safety Alert 0920
1Safety Alert 09-20 Fireworks Safety 01 July
2009 USE OF FIREWORKS IS DANGEROUS BUSINESS.
Over the last several years, an average of 10,000
persons each year in the U.S. have required
hospital treatment as a result of injuries caused
by fireworks. In one year alone, 26 persons died
as a result of the injuries. In that same year,
more than 36 million in property damages
resulted from fires caused by fireworks. To help
you to have a safe Independence Day holiday, the
MANSCEN Safety Office provides the following
guidance for safe use of fireworks Installation
Policy The Fort Leonard Wood policy is that the
use of fireworks by individuals is prohibited
anywhere on the installation, including in the
housing areas. The only authorized uses are for
military training and for organized DFMWR events,
such as the Independence Day celebrations.
Violators may be subject to criminal or
disciplinary actions. Fireworks include, but are
not limited to, firecrackers, bottle rockets,
snakes, roman candles, and sparklers. Missouri
law allows the use of fireworks off post, but
users must know and follow the ordinances of
individual cities and counties. Safety
Precautions When using fireworks off post, you
should take care to observe the following
precautions 1. Remember that fireworks are
EXPLOSIVES, not toys, and they must be treated
with the same precautions as other
explosives. 2. Do not allow younger children to
use fireworks under any circumstances. Would you
allow them to play with matches or gasoline? 3.
Sparklers are often thought to be safe for the
young, but they burn at temperatures of 1800
degrees Fahrenheit and can easily ignite
clothing. Children cannot appreciate the danger
involved. 4. Allow older children to use
fireworks only with close adult supervision. 5.
Follow all warnings and instructions on the label
of the firework. 6. Only purchase fireworks
from a legal source. Otherwise, they may be
dangerously unstable or overly powerful. Also,
remember that you cannot bring fireworks on post.
MANSCEN SAFETY OFFICE
2- 7. Light fireworks outdoors, in a clear area,
away from houses and flammable materials. Keep
in mind that some fireworks travel and can land
on roofs, in dry grass, or other areas where they
could ignite fires. Be especially careful to
never use them around gasoline or other flammable
liquids. - 8. Keep water handy, for emergencies and to douse
fireworks that don't go off. - 9. Light only one firework at a time.
Preferably, wear goggles when lighting them. - 10. Never try to re-light or handle
malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water,
and dispose of them properly. - 11. Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- 12. Never hold them while lighting them (except
sparklers, of course). - 13. Never ignite them in a container, especially
a glass or metal container. - 14. Do not use aerial fireworks (those that
shoot into the sky) when there is lightning in
the area. The lightning can strike the carbon
trail left by the firework and follow the trail
to the ground, striking you. - 15. Never experiment with or make your own
fireworks. - 16. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Check
the instructions on the items for special storage
instructions.
M-1000s
M-80s
Silver Salutes
Invented by the military, to simulate
gunfire/grenades during training missions.
Capable of blowing a human hand to pieces!
MANSCEN SAFETY OFFICE