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Public Display Fireworks Operator Guidelines <br />June 2011 Page 8 <br />arrangements have been made to have a representative of the fire department present for all displays and <br />demonstrations. The fire department representative shall have a means of direct communication with the <br />department’s emergency dispatch center. The sponsoring organization, at the discretion of the chief of the <br />fire department, is responsible for the actual costs of providing an on-site fire department representative <br />during the display. <br /> <br />Once the authority having jurisdiction (fire chief, sheriff, State Fire Marshal) has determined that <br />requirements of Minnesota Statute § 624.20 - 624.25, the 2007 Minnesota State Fire Code, and NFPA <br />standard 1123 (2006 edition) and / or 1126 (2006 edition) have been met, the proposed display will be <br />supervised by an public display fireworks operator certified by the State Fire Marshal, and the display will <br />not be hazardous to property or endanger persons, the fire chief (sheriff) shall promptly notify the city clerk <br />(county auditor). When so notified, the city clerk, county auditor, or the State Fire Marshal (indoor displays <br />only) must issue a permit for the conduct of the display. <br /> <br />PART B: GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAYS <br /> <br />Supervision <br />A fireworks display may only be conducted when supervised by a pyrotechnic operator certified by the <br />Minnesota State Fire Marshal. <br /> <br />Exception <br />Cities and counties are allowed, but not required, to exempt displays involving the use of <br />smoke pots, flash pots and theatrical flash powder for ceremonial, theatrical and musical <br />productions from this requirement. Such displays are, however, required to be conducted in a <br />safe manner in accordance with all applicable codes and standards. Contact local <br />authorities to determine if this exemption is applicable. <br /> <br />Operator Responsibilities <br />The certified fireworks operator is responsible for all aspects of the display related to fireworks and other <br />pyrotechnics. While the operator may actively participate in the firing of the display, safety must be the <br />operator’s primary concern. The operator must ensure that: <br /> <br />1. No fire or life safety hazard is allowed to exist or occur during the storage, transportation, handling, <br />preparation or use of fireworks. <br /> <br />2. All displays are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, codes, regulations, standards and <br />guidelines relating to fireworks. <br /> <br />3. A sufficient number of qualified assistants are on hand for the safe conduct of the display, that all <br />assistants are fully trained in the proper performance of their assigned tasks and are knowledgeable <br />of safety hazards and procedures and the use of portable fire extinguishers. <br /> <br />Any person acting as an assistant at a fireworks display must be a minimum of 18 years of age. The <br />certified operator is responsible for verifying the age of all assistants and providing for their constant <br />supervision. <br /> <br />4. Proper protective gear (i.e., head protection, eye protection, hearing protection, foot protection, and <br />protective clothing) is worn by all personnel involved in the display. Suitable protective clothing <br />includes long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of 100 percent cotton, leather, Nomex, or other