31 July 2008
Professional firework displays will now be covered by a new Code of Practice which aims to improve operator and public safety at displays, ERMA New Zealand announced today.
General Manager Hazardous Substances Andrea Eng said the new Outdoor
Pyrotechnic Display Code of Practice is based on the Queensland
equivalent with some changes for New Zealand conditions and legislation.
The Queensland code of practice is widely regarded as one of the best of
its type. The ERMA code was developed in conjunction with industry.
“We promised this code of practice following the last Guy Fawkes season when there were several injuries to people attending professional displays. The new code aims to improve safety for people operating or watching public events,” Ms Eng said.
The purpose of the code is to ensure the safe handling of pyrotechnics
and the safe and practical management of outdoor pyrotechnic displays.
It is designed to assist people involved in all aspects of outdoor
displays to understand their obligations under the Hazardous Substances
and New Organisms regulations.
The code provides for Approved Handlers – the people approved to be in
charge of a pyrotechnic display - to be certified in accordance with the
skills and knowledge required for the type of display and the types of
fireworks being used. For example, small ground level displays and the
large aerial displays seen in some cities at Guy Fawkes and New Year
require different levels of technical expertise.
The code recognises that the field of pyrotechnics is a rapidly
developing one and that the size and sophistication of displays
continues to grow, as do audience expectations. The code advocates a
risk management approach with an emphasis on taking all practicable
steps to minimise risk.
The code can be found on the ERMA website at:
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/publications/pdfs/HSNOCOP30-1.pdf
For further information contact:
Mark Walles, Senior Communications Advisor, ERMA New Zealand.
• Telephone +64 -4 -918 4813 • Mobile 021 976 853
• Facsimile +64- 4 -914 0433 • Email:
mark.walles@ermanz.govt.nz