Fatal firework blast prompts safety alert from WorkSafe

WorkSafe wishes to remind the public that the use and possession of fireworks in Victoria is strictly limited to qualified and licenced pyrotechnicians.

The reminder follows the tragic incident in which a 19-year-old man lost his life due to a firework explosion at a residential construction site in Kalkallo. It is suspected that he was handling commercial-grade fireworks at the time.

“It is a criminal offence to discharge a firework within Victoria, unless you are a qualified and licensed pyrotechnician,” WorkSafe Victoria said.

“It is also a criminal offence to possess fireworks unless you are a licenced pyrotechnician. If you are found in possession of fireworks without a licence, they may be seized by a WorkSafe inspector or a police officer, and you could be prosecuted.”

The safety watchdog recommends that to mitigate the risks linked to fireworks usage; they should only be ignited by a qualified and licensed pyrotechnician.

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