WAC 212-17-050   Firework device chemical content, construction.  All consumer fireworks devices shall meet the following chemical content, design, and construction requirements.

     (1) Prohibited chemicals. Fireworks devices shall not contain any of the following chemicals:

     (a) Arsenic sulfide, arsenates, or arsenites.

     (b) Boron.

     (c) Chlorates, except:

     (i) In colored smoke mixtures in which an equal or greater amount of sodium bicarbonate is included;

     (ii) In caps and party poppers;

     (iii) In those small items wherein the total powder content does not exceed four grams of which not greater than fifteen percent is potassium, sodium, or barium chlorate.

     (d) Gallates or gallic acid.

     (e) Magnesium (magnesium/aluminum alloys, called magnalium, are permitted).

     (f) Mercury salts.

     (g) Phosphorus (red or white). EXCEPT that red phosphorus is permissible in caps and party poppers.

     (h) Picrates or picric acid.

     (i) Thiocyanates.

     (j) Titanium, except in particle size greater than 100-mesh.

     (k) Zirconium.

     (2) Fuses.

     (a) Fireworks devices that require a fuse shall:

     (i) Utilize only a fuse that has been treated or coated in such manner as to reduce the possibility of side ignition. Devices such as ground spinners that require a restricted orifice for proper thrust and contain less than 6 grams of pyrotechnic composition are exempt from this requirement.

     (ii) Utilize only a fuse which will burn at least three seconds but not more than six seconds before ignition of the device.

     (b) The fuse shall be securely attached so that it will support either the weight of the fireworks device plus eight ounces dead weight or double the weight of the device, whichever is less, without separation from the fireworks device.

     (3) Bases. The base or bottom of fireworks devices that are operated in a standing upright position shall have the minimum horizontal dimensions or the diameter of the base equal to at least one-third of the height of the device including any base or cap affixed thereto.

     (4) Pyrotechnic leakage. The pyrotechnic chamber in fireworks devices shall be sealed in a manner that prevents leakage of the pyrotechnic composition during shipping, handling and normal operation.

     (5) Burnout and blowout. The pyrotechnic chamber in fireworks devices shall be constructed in a manner to allow functioning in a normal manner without burnout or blowout.

     (6) Handles and spikes. Fireworks devices that are intended to be hand-held and are so labeled shall incorporate a handle at least four inches in length. Handles shall remain firmly attached during transportation, handling and full operation of the device, or shall consist of an integral section of the device at least four inches below the pyrotechnic chamber, except sparklers 10" or less in length shall have handles at least 3" in length. Spikes provided with fireworks devices shall protrude at least two inches from the base of the device and shall have a blunt tip not less than 1/8 inch in diameter or 1/8 inch square.

     (7) Wheel devices. Drivers in fireworks devices commonly known as "wheels" shall be securely attached to the device so that they will not come loose in transportation, handling, and normal operation. Wheel devices intended to operate in a fixed location shall be designed in such a manner that the axle remains attached to the device during normal operation.

     (8) Toy smoke devices and flitter devices.

     (a) Toy smoke devices shall be so constructed that they will neither burst nor produce external flame (excluding the fuse and small but brief bursts of flame accompanying normal smoke production) during normal operation.

     (b) Toy smoke devices and flitter devices shall not be of such color and configuration so as to be confused with illegal explosive devices such as M-80 salutes, silver salutes, or cherry bombs.

     (c) Toy smoke devices shall not incorporate plastic as an exterior material if the pyrotechnic composition comes in direct contact with the plastic.

     (9) Rockets with sticks. Rockets with sticks (including sky rockets and bottle rockets) shall utilize a straight and rigid stick to provide a direct and stable flight. Such sticks shall remain straight and rigid and attached to the driver so as to prevent the stick from being damaged or detached during transportation, handling, or normal operation.

     (10) Party poppers. Party poppers (also known by other names such as "champagne party poppers" and "party surprise poppers" shall not contain more than 0.25 grains of pyrotechnic composition. Such devices may contain nonflammable soft paper or cloth inserts.



[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.43 and 70.77 RCW. 05-12-033, § 212-17-050, filed 5/24/05, effective 6/24/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.77.250. 84-23-009 (Order FM 84-05), § 212-17-050, filed 11/9/84. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.77.250 and chapter 48.48 RCW. 82-22-068 (Order FM 82-10), § 212-17-050, filed 11/2/82.]