Safety a priority during Independence Day celebrations

Published June 29, 2004

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Nearly everyone has an exciting story to tell about a time they saw fireworks during past Fourth of July celebrations. The spectacular lights shooting across the night sky and the loud explosions reverberating through the quiet night brought smiles to spectators faces. Some however, have a different story to tell one of pain and suffering and even death all, officials say, because fireworks werent treated with proper respect.

According to Tech. Sgt. David York, AMC Explosive Safety superintendent, many people dismiss the fact that fireworks are created with extremely hazardous materials. One such material is gunpowder.

The Chinese, dating back to the 9th century, are credited with bringing fireworks to a high stage of development. Early fireworks were produced using just gunpowder to produce light and sound.

Modern-day fireworks are almost ingenious combinations of combustibles and explosives engineered to create a spectrum of color and a symphony of sound, said Sergeant York.

Gunpowder is used in a wide range of military and civilian applications, including mining, demolitions, building bombs and fighting wars. Any use of such a powerful substance presents its share of danger; even fireworks, he said.

Fireworks arent designed to be as powerful as military flares and weapons, but they work along the same concepts and are made with similar ingredients, said Harold Lasell, chief of weapons safety for AMC.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported four deaths attributed to fireworks (two at professional displays) and up to 9,700 fireworks-related trips to emergency rooms. More than half the injuries were burns and most of the injuries involved the hands, eyes and head. About half of the victims were children under 15 years of age.

According to the U.S. Eye Injury Registry, almost 70 percent of all fireworks-related eye injuries were caused by bottle rockets.

Sergeant York said a large number of these trips to the hospital, and even the fatalities, could have been avoided if Operational Risk Management practices were applied. He recommends taking some basic precautionary measures before using fireworks. They include, but are not limited to:

-- Always read, follow and understand label directions

-- Never leave children alone with any type of fireworks (adult supervision is required)

-- Ignite fireworks in a safe location away from buildings, vehicles or other hazardous or combustible items

-- Light fireworks one at a time

-- Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks

-- Do not experiment or attempt to create your own fireworks

-- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place until ready to use

-- Never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.

-- Have a source of water available

While the above list can help prevent injuries and death, Air Force officials want to ensure their personnel dont become a statistic.

The Air Force prohibits Airmen and their families from using fireworks on base, with sparklers being the exception. According to Sergeant York, personnel, on or off duty, are prohibited from taking part in the transportation, storage, setup or functioning of commercial fireworks for on-base displays. Personnel should also ensure they are aware of state laws regarding purchasing and using fireworks, he said.

According to the CPSC, legal fireworks should carry the name of the item, manufacture, and have cautionary labeling with instructions for proper use.

Although it seems state and Air Force restrictions are excessive, each one is put in place to protect you, your family and your community, said Sergeant York. Experience the beauty of fireworks lighting the night sky, but remember to keep safety at the foreground while celebrating our nations independence.

(Some information contributed by 1st Lt. Dustin Hart)