Media release
Fireworks safety – think about it
Monday, 25 June 2007
The Fireworks Safety Campaign is ramping up as the Territory Day weekend draws near.
NT WorkSafe has worked with other stakeholders including Police, Fire and Rescue, the Department of Health and Community Services, Parks and Wildlife Service, local government and the RSPCA to put in place a Territory wide safety strategy.
NT WorkSafe is responsible for ongoing monitoring of the transport, storage, testing and sale of fireworks in the Northern Territory.
Fireworks safety information has already been distributed to all Government and non-Government schools and safety guidelines were included with school newsletters before school broke for the holidays last week.
Child safety, adult supervision and animal safety are the main objectives of the community safety campaign this year.
All fireworks are stringently tested every year to ensure that they comply with the performance criteria laid down by Australian Standards. Those fireworks that do not comply are not permitted to go on sale.
Safety bulletins will be displayed at each fireworks retail outlet and retailers are being advised to remind customers of the need to follow manufacturers’ instructions and also the guidelines issued by NT WorkSafe.
Territory Day is a special day. The Northern Territory is one of only a few jurisdictions in Australia that allows residents to purchase and use fireworks for a celebration.
Everybody must act responsibly when they set up and operate their own private fireworks displays. Young children must be carefully supervised at all times and people should take special care to look after their pets.
Some important points to remember:
- The sale of fireworks will be restricted to two days, Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July. Fireworks can only be purchased between the hours of 9am and 9pm on those two days, from approved fireworks retailers. They cannot be sold to persons under 16 years of age.
- Fireworks can only be ignited between 6pm and 11pm on Territory Day, Sunday, 1 July. For all other occasions a special permit is required.
- Unused fireworks can be handed into NT WorkSafe or your local Police and Fire stations.
- Strict penalties apply under the Dangerous Goods Act for breaches of fireworks regulations with fines of up to $3000.
As in previous years, major fireworks displays have been planned at public venues throughout the Northern Territory.
At Mindil Beach there will be an area set aside for people who want to let off their fireworks and a separate area for viewing of those fireworks. These areas will be marked by tapes and signs, and patrolled by police officers. People are asked to observe the signs.
For further fireworks safety information visit www.worksafe.nt.gov.au