Know, follow state fireworks laws

  • Published
  • By by Mike Trudeau
  • 66th Air Base Wing Safety Office
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Editor's Note: In an effort to raise awareness and prevent mishaps during the 101 Critical Days of Summer, the 66 Air Base Wing Safety Office has provided the following informational piece. For more information, call (781) 377-5135. 

According to a news release put out by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission June 25, nearly 10,000 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries in 2007, 64 percent of which occurred during the one month period surrounding July 4. 

"A review of the injuries shows that burns were the most common, accounting for more than half of the incidents. The parts of the body most often injured were hands (estimated 2,000 injuries), eyes (1,400 injuries) and legs (1,200 injuries). Over the last 10 years, there has been an upward trend in injuries. Eleven deaths were reported in 2007, the same number as the previous year," according to the CPSC release. 

Those considering lighting off their own fireworks are advised to read the following to learn which types of fireworks, if any, are allowed in nearby areas. 

Hanscom Air Force Base: Personal fireworks are illegal on Hanscom. 

Massachusetts: Fireworks are not permitted. This includes firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, sparklers, fountains, mines and serpents. 

New Hampshire: Permitted fireworks are cone and cylindrical fountains, ground spinners, party poppers, snakes, glow worms and wheels. Small sparklers that are not regulated as Consumer Fireworks are also allowed. Prohibited fireworks are large sparklers and all items not specifically permitted. 

Maine: Permitted fireworks are sparklers without magnesium, chlorates or per chlorate, and plastic and paper caps. Prohibited fireworks are firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, bombs, rockets, wheels, colored fire, fountains, mines and serpents.
In 1976, the CPSC enacted national standards for personal-use fireworks. All fireworks now legally available for sale must comply with CPSC rules. 

Since the adoption of these regulations, the amount of fireworks used each year has doubled, suggesting that the injury rate in terms of injuries per 1 million pounds of fireworks has declined significantly. 

Those who are going to light fireworks should follow the safety tips in the accompanying article. 

The 66 ABW Safety Office wishes all those at Hanscom a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend. For more information, call the Safety Office at (781) 377-5135.