The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) conducted training seminars for
OSHA staff, local fire and public enforcement officials in 2005. Building on this success, the APA
presented six one-day pyrotechnics safety training seminars in 2006 and 2007 for more than 200
attendees in the following seminars; which were taught by Gregg Smith, APA's Safety Program Manager:
- May 10, 2006 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- June 12, 2006 New York, New York
- June 20, 2006 Atlanta, Georgia
- June 22, 2005 Kansas City, Missouri
- June 26, 2006 Denver, Colorado
- April 26, 2007 Shoreline, Washington
Topics discussed at the seminars included: reviewing applicable codes and
regulations regarding the sale, manufacture, storage and transportation of consumer fireworks and
industry best practices at public fireworks display sites. In addition, the seminars covered
fireworks display site safety and management and discussed types of displays (e.g. aerial, low
level, land, floating platform and barge); display site venues and permits, equipment types and
set-ups; personal protective equipment; lead pyrotechnician responsibilities and dealing with
emergencies on the display site. Mr. Smith also discussed the Safe Explosives Act and its impact on
the professional fireworks industry.
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