DOT speeds consumer fireworks transport certification

   The U.S. Transportation Department’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has updated the certification process for the transport of consumer fireworks, also known as 1.4G fireworks, making approvals more efficient while continuing to meet strict safety requirements.
   The new Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) consumer fireworks certification amendment will allow DOT-approved fireworks certification agencies (FCA) to perform the same function as PHMSA’s approval program. Requirements to become an FCA include meeting technical qualifications and specific criteria to ensure the laboratory’s or other entity’s “qualifications, impartiality and independence.”
   “Providing additional avenues for certification will speed up the process and reduce some of the uncertainty related to ordering fireworks and other supply chain issues,” DOT said.
   PHMSA’s consumer fireworks approval program had seen increases in applications over the years, resulting in a backlog, the agency noted. After processing the applications, PHMSA conducted an extensive review of the process and identified the FCA option as a way to streamline the approvals process and increase flexibility for the fireworks industry while maintaining the current level of safety.
   Last year, more than 19,000 fireworks applications were processed by PHMSA, averaging 200 to 400 applications a week. About 60 percent of these applications were for consumer fireworks.