A massive explosion at the B.E.M. Fireworks warehouse in
Quebec on Thursday, June 20, killed two workers and resulted in the evacuation
of nearly 7,000 nearby residents. Located west of Montreal, the warehouse was
filled with pyrotechnics, and fireworks continued to explode at the scene for
nearly two hours after the incident began. Reporters said there was a lack of
fire hydrants in the vicinity, slowing the process of putting out the blaze.
Workers who regularly handle explosives or work in
facilities where pyrotechnics are present must always focus on preventing
explosions, fires and injuries. To protect workers involved in the retail sale
of fireworks, OSHA offers the following tips:
- Obtain all necessary state and local permits, licenses and inspections.
- Enforce no smoking within 50 feet of fireworks sales and post appropriate signage.
- Post and enforce no fireworks discharge within 300 feet of fireworks retail facilities.
- Keep exit routes clear with a minimum of two paths out from every point.
- Exit doors must be unlocked when occupied, should swing outward, can never be obstructed and should have panic hardware if they latch.
- Fire extinguishers should be operational and accessible, and at least one should be a water type.
- Lock the facility when closed.
- Dispose of damaged fireworks properly and immediately.
- Use non-sparking cleaning tools instead of vacuum cleaners.
- Always supervise the fireworks sales area.
- Do not use open flames or heating devices with exposed elements.
- Implement and maintain fire protection features.
- Participate in safety training.
For more tips on safety within the pyrotechnics industry,
see OSHA’s website.
