Purchase and use of fireworks

 Information sheet on Fireworks (IS041) May 2009

Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations 1998 classifies fireworks into three types according to their intended use, purpose and level of hazard:

• Type 1- These comprise items such as sparklers, party poppers and bonbons. They are intended for indoor use and are freely available to the public.

• Type 2- These are small fireworks or ‘consumer fireworks’ such as roman candles, small skyrockets and fountains. They are intended for outdoor use. A permit issued by Workplace Standards Tasmania is required to buy and use these fireworks in Tasmania.

• Type 3 - These are the ‘professional’, spectacular larger shell or mortar type fireworks that not only require a permit for sale, purchase and use but a person wishing to conduct a display must also hold a shot-firer’s permit endorsed for pyrotechnics.

Permit Details:

In general, fireworks must meet the requirements of Schedule 7 of the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations 1998.

A person who wishes to conduct a fireworks display which includes Type 2 or Type 3 fireworks must submit an application to Workplace Standards Tasmania (WST) for approval prior to the display.

In the event that Type 3 fireworks are to be incorporated into a display, the person conducting the display must be the holder of a Shot-firer's Permit issued by WST, which has been endorsed with 'pyrotechnics' (Type 3).

This permit is mandated under the Dangerous Goods Act 1998.

Application Process:

Duration: Per display

Fee: Contact Helpline.

Forms and information:

 Application form - Fireworks Permit (Type 2)

 Application form - Fireworks Permit (Type 3)