SafeWork NSW observed the highest recorded number of illegal fireworks on New Year’s Eve with more than 180 reports of illegal use of fireworks across the State.
Warnings remain in effect ahead of the upcoming Australia Day events, with SafeWork NSW continuing compliance and Fireworks verification measures.
SafeWork NSW is the licensing regulator for the import, supply, storage, manufacture, transport and use of fireworks and anyone involved in these activities must hold a licence.
To purchase, use, store, supply and/or transport fireworks you must hold one of the following licences:
SafeWork NSW works closely with the NSW Police Force to ensure community safety.
Anyone involved in the sale, purchase, storage, transportation or discharge of fireworks without authorisation faces fines of up to $27,500 and 12 months in prison.
SafeWork NSW is also highlighting the importance of managing risks associated with environmental factors, and ensuring access is available to emergency services.
Licensed operators must establish exclusion zones for every display in accordance with the Operational conditions for pyrotechnicians and single use fireworks licences.
All licence holders must notify authorities ahead of the fireworks display, including NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and Local Council.
To locate a display in an area across NSW the public can search Fireworks display search.
SafeWork NSW encourages the public to report information on the illegal use or sale of fireworks immediately to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or directly to SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or via the Speak Up Saves Lives app.
Find more information about explosives and fireworks safety at the SafeWork NSW website.
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said:
“The recent festive season has marked one of the most challenging due to an alarming increase in illegal fireworks activity. Despite the efforts of authorities, there was a noticeable spike in unlicensed and illegal fireworks, which puts public safety at risk.
“If you handle fireworks without a licence, you risk injuring yourself and others, and there can be serious consequences.
“SafeWork NSW is today reminding the community that it is illegal to handle fireworks unless you are authorised. Only those with either a current NSW pyrotechnician or single use licence are authorised.
“SafeWork NSW encourages the public to report information on the illegal use or sale of fireworks immediately to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or directly to SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or via the Speak Up Saves Lives app.”
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