Initial Fireworks Comments Generally Are Positive Feedback

The 10 comments CPSC has received so far on its fireworks NPR were generally supportive of the agency's direction although there were some concerns and suggestions. They met the original comment deadline for the proposal, but more will come later as the commission recently granted a 90-day extension (PSL, 4/17/17), which is July 17 according to the April 14 Federal Register (bit.ly/2nZJHYQ). It explains that the delay was in response to a request for more time by the National Fireworks Association.

Getting general appreciation were efforts (PSL, 1/2/17) to address prohibited chemicals and side ignition tests.

The plan to address the subjective "ear test" for audible effects also drew praise. However one commenter wondered about the justification for modeling provisions on standards from the American Pyrotechnics Association. Another suggested that "acoustic analysis" might provide a "possibly better guide." CPSC is looking at evaluating if break/burst charges have metallic powder less than 100 mesh.

There of course were the usual and general calls to minimize costs and burdens. Many of the comments were very short, even just a few sentences, and many of the commenters were of unclear affiliation. Input from major players was absent, presumably related to the extension.