|
Fireworks Inspection Procedures
Fire Inspectors visit business establishments that store and sell fireworks during the permit inspection process. Listed below are some of the most common items that fire inspectors look for during the permit inspection process.
Fireworks Retail Temporary Stands:
- Vendor must possess fireworks retailer’s license issued by DCRA.
- Vendor must possess permit required by the DC Fire/EMS Fire Prevention Division.
- Fireworks supplies will be inspected to ensure that only approved fireworks are being sold and to ensure that the fuses of all products are tapped and properly secured.
- Fireworks are being sold only from the approved location.
- Fireworks and records of purchases by the retailer will be inspected to verify that records correspond with products that are present.
- An approved “No Smoking” sign must be posted.
- An approved and properly maintained fire extinguisher must be installed (minimum rating of 2A10B:C).
- Fireworks stands must be be erected so they do not impede egress from any building.
- Fireworks stands must be erected at least fifty feet from any gasoline fill line, vent line or pump dispensers.
- If fuel generator is used for lighting, it must be refilled at least fifty feet from the fireworks stand and other structures. Spare containers of fuel must not be stored on site.
Fireworks Retailers' Stores:
- Vendor must possess fireworks retailer’s license issued by DCRA.
- Vendor must possess permit required by the DC Fire/EMS Fire Prevention Division.
- Fireworks supplies will be inspected to ensure that only approved fireworks are being sold and to ensure that the fuses of all products are tapped and properly secured.
- Approved “No Smoking” signs must be posted near fireworks displays and storage areas.
- An approved portable fire extinguisher must be installed and located within ten feet of fireworks displays and storage areas (Minimum rating of 2A10B:C).
- Fireworks storage must be separated from other combustible materials.
- Fireworks storage rooms must have a proper placard.
- Fireworks displays and storage must not be located near heat sources such as furnaces, hot water heaters, etc.
- Fire protection systems will be inspected to ensure they are in service and properly maintained.
- Egress areas will be inspected to ensure they are unobstructed, exit doors are operable and properly maintained, and exit signs are illuminated and in good repair.
- The structure will be inspected for proper housekeeping and general fire hazards.
Fireworks wholesalers having a warehouse or depot located within the District of Columbia:
- A wholesaler’s license has been issued by DCRA to sell fireworks.
- The fire protection and detection systems will be inspected to ensure they are in service and being properly maintained.
- The facilities will be inspected to ensure that they are not obstructed, exit doors are operating and properly maintained and exit signs are illuminated and in good repair.
- Approved “No Smoking” signs must be posted.
- Approved portable fire extinguishers (Minimum rating of 2A10B:C) must be installed and properly maintained.
- The structure will be inspected for proper housekeeping and general fire hazards.
- The fireworks products will be inspected to ensure they are on the Fire Marshal’s approved list.
Wholesalers are required to notify the Fire Marshal’s Office of any shipment received at the warehouse or depot. The notice shall be furnished not less than three (3) business days before the date the fireworks are delivered to any retail licensee. Wholesalers should contact the DC Fire/EMS Department Fire Prevention Division at (202) 727-1600 to make this notification.
For additional information about safe use of fireworks, or any other fireworks related information, contact the DC Fire/EMS Department Fire Prevention Division at (202) 727-1600 or (202) 727-1614.
| 
