FMCSA to Conduct Fireworks Roadside Inspections

From June 28 through July 8, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is conducting a nationwide roadside inspection sweep targeting commercial trucks transporting fireworks categorized as Class 1 Explosives.

FMCSA inspectors, in partnership with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and state law enforcement, will examine the driver, vehicle and hazardous materials loads. They will take into account safety permits, shipping papers, placards, load securement, packaging, marking, labels and all other requirements for the transportation of fireworks categorized as Class 1 Explosives.

In addition, the department's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and Federal Aviation Administration have issued safety information for consumers and commercial operators about how to safely handle and transport fireworks.

PHMSA's safety alert covers the transport of consumer fireworks, which are explosives covered by the Hazardous Materials Regulations.

The safety alert outlines the requirements for these explosives, which must be labeled and packaged properly. PHMSA also provides the following resources about transporting fireworks and hazardous materials:

- Inspection Guidance for Class 1 Hazardous Materials Shipments
- Explosive Approvals - Regulatory Guidelines for Shipping and Transporting Fireworks
- Consumer Fireworks Advisory Safety Letter
- Safety Guidance for Shipping Consumer Fireworks
- Getting Fireworks Home Safely in Your Vehicle

For more information about fireworks, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Travel website. For information about hazardous materials log onto: http://ash.faa.gov/passengers.asp.