Pyrotechnics at public events

Using pyrotechnics at public events

Pyrotechnics include fireworks and other controlled explosions. Pyrotechnics can only be used by a licenced pyrotechnician or in some circumstances, people under their direct supervision.

If an event involves fireworks or other pyrotechnics, the event organiser needs to ensure information about this is included in the event Safety and Communications Plan.

Notifications and Permits

The Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2022 (the Explosives Regulations) require licenced pyrotechnicians to provide written notice of a fireworks discharge event at least 7 days before the proposed display. The written notice must be provided to:

• WorkSafe
• the appropriate fire authority (Fire Rescue Victoria or Country Fire Authority), and
• the relevant municipal council

This requirement applies to both outdoor and indoor or theatrical pyrotechnic displays. Some municipal councils may require more than 7 days’ notice. The pyrotechnician should consult with the relevant municipal council about any additional requirements regarding notifications.

You must notify WorkSafe using the WorkSafe Victoria Fireworks discharge notification form, which is available online.

Note: WorkSafe no longer authorises licences that allow the discharge of Chinese firecrackers and theatrical fireworks on a single occasion.

Storage of fireworks

Pyrotechnicians can temporarily store fireworks for seven days. This is in line with the notification period. Pyrotechnicians can only store the type of fireworks their licence authorises them to use.

The temporary storage must meet the requirements for medium-scale storage set out in the Explosives Regulations. A medium-scale storage licence is not required. If larger amounts of fireworks are stored, further requirements apply.

Storage areas at a display site should be at least 8 meters from fixed ignition sources and public access areas. Firework storage areas need to be placarded with 'no smoking' and 'no ignition source' signs.

Separation distances and secure areas

The type of pyrotechnics being used will determine the separation distance between the display and persons and property. These separation distances must be maintained.

The secure area is the area the pyrotechnics are stored and/or launched from. The pyrotechnician is responsible for the safety controls within the secured area. The positioning of launch points needs to ensure the safety of the public from fallout and misfires.

Operators also need to comply with the requirements set out in AS 2187.4 – 1998 Explosives - Storage, transport and use, Pyrotechnics - Outdoor displays.

Security of fireworks

Fireworks must not be left unattended. A pyrotechnician must ensure that a firework display site is secure in accordance with the requirements of section 4.1.2 of AS 2187.4 Explosives - Storage, transport and use, Part 4: Pyrotechnics - Outdoor displays.

Any theft of display fireworks must be immediately reported to the police and WorkSafe.

Fire protection

Pyrotechnic displays must not be conducted during total fire ban days or during fire danger periods unless written permission is obtained from the fire authority. The fire authority should be informed of how the display is to be conducted when they are notified of the planned display.

The operator of the display needs to ensure:

• the fire authority is informed of the time, location and type of display to be undertaken
• there is at least one 9 L water fire extinguisher at each firing point, and
• there is a minimum 20 L container of water at each firing point

More information about fire protection is available in:

Misfired fireworks and malfunctions

Any firework that has misfired must be immediately marked to indicate the presence of a misfired firework. Any misfired shells must be disposed of safely and as soon as possible in accordance with the firework supplier's or manufacturer's instructions.

If a firework malfunctions and there is a risk to any person, the display must immediately cease. The display cannot resume until it is safe to do so.

At the completion of the fireworks display and before the public are allowed to enter the display site the operator (pyrotechnician and event safety team) must conduct an inspection of the display site for the purpose of locating any misfired or unfired fireworks.

The post firework event clean-up must be completed in accordance with requirements set out in AS 2187.4 Explosives - Storage, transport and use, Part 4: Pyrotechnics - Outdoor displays.