Safety & Training

CONSUMER FIREWORKS SAFETY AS PRESENTED BY NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA

  1. Use Fireworks Outdoors Never use fireworks indoors; they are designed for outdoor use only.
  2. Choose a Clear Open Area Always use fireworks in an open area away from buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions, and dry bush/grass (which could catch fire). A minimum clear area of 30 m by 30 m for aerial family fireworks, such as roman candles and 20 m by 20 m for fountains and other ground based items is recommended
  3. Check for Wind Check wind direction and wind speed; fireworks should be lit with prevailing wind blowing away from spectators and closest dwelling. Don’t set off aerial fireworks in strong winds.
  4. Have Water Nearby Keep a charged hose or bucket filled with water close by in case of malfunction or fire.
  5. Read all Instructions Carefully Read all instructions for each firework ahead of time.
  6. Use Ground-based Fireworks on a Hard Surface Always light ground-based fireworks (fountains, mines) on a hard, flat and level surface to ensure stability of the item. Grass is typically not suitable, and a wood or equivalent base is recommended to ensure stability.
  7. Bury Aerial Fireworks For aerial fireworks (roman candles) bury (do not pile) the device to half it’s length in the ground or in a large pail or box filled with earth or sand.
  8. Keep Spectators Safe Keep all spectators at least 20 m from where articles are functioned.
  9. Use Proper Eye Protection and Wear Proper Clothing Protect your eyes with safety glasses or safety goggles. Regular prescription glasses or sunglasses provide little or no protection and may actually contribute to an injury. Wear non-flammable clothing such as cotton; never wear synthetic fibre clothing (nylon, polyester) when shooting.
  10. Keep Children away from Fireworks Never let children handle, play with or fire fireworks under any circumstances. Even sparklers, which are considered by many as “safe” fireworks for children, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing and burn flesh. In addition they project sparks that can cause eye injury.
  11. Use Care when Handling Fireworks Take care when handling fireworks to protect from dropping them. Never put fireworks in your pockets. Never smoke while handling fireworks. When lighting never put any part of your head or body; never hand hold them or insert them into other means of containment such as pipes; and never point at or throw them at people or other sensitive/flammable targets. During a fireworks show, store the unused fireworks away from the firing area and keep them covered to prevent stray sparks from prematurely igniting them.

  12. Duds or Misfires Never attempt to re-light fireworks that have misfired (duds). Wait 30 min and then place them in a bucket of water.

  13. Clean up After the Show Wait 30 min after the display has finished. Check the firing area for duds, clean up all debris and check it again the next morning.

    For additional safety tips, please visit the Canadian National Fireworks Association

TRAINING COURSE

Dream Catcher Fireworks is an authorized provider of the Natural Resources Canada – Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) Display Fireworks Safety and Legal Awareness Training Program. Due to COVID 19 all courses are currently held virtually.

In order to become a certified Fireworks Operator you must attend an ERD certified course. After completion of the course and on receipt of your licence from ERD you may work on Professional Fireworks Displays under the supervision of a Display Supervisor.

After working on a minimum of three shows within 5 years and showing competence to the Display Supervisor you may apply for an upgrade to become a Display Supervisor through ERD. Once you receive your Display Supervisor Licence you may purchase display fireworks and supervise your own display shows.

If you would like to register for an upcoming course please email us, or fill out the form linked here.