Fireworks Bridgade Special Report: Save Our Fireworks

In the most recent podcast of the Fireworks Brigade, Johnny Starr and Ron the Banker talked with Secretary of National Fireworks Association Steve Houser following a day of meetings with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to propose a compromise that would eliminate the ear test and the powdered metals portions of the proposed regulation and move to using pyrotechnic composition weight limits. 


Here is a summary of what the NFA proposed:

·      Eliminate the metals provision from proposed regulation. Last year, NFA commissioned a third-party test by a DOT-certified explosives lab that showed a burst charge with an allowance of up to 12.5 percent powdered metals would generate less energy than a burst charge created with hybrid powders that already exist and would be compliant under the proposed CPSC regulation of zero powdered metal. This test showed focusing on powdered metals is an incorrect way to measure safety.

·      Eliminate the ear test. The ear test is subjective and is not a proper way to assess the safety of fireworks. The ear test is done by an individual; at an undisclosed location; and under undisclosed conditions that can affect the outcome of the test. Eliminating this test is something all industry stakeholders have agreed on. 


·       Adopt pyrotechnic composition weight limits. Presently the consumer fireworks industry limits pyrotechnic weight of aerial shells to 60 grams. It is an industry accepted standard and serves to increase safety by preventing overly energetic devices from reaching the hands of general consumers. 

Remember, if you haven't done so, sign our petition to #SaveOurFireworks. 

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