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Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Burkholder
Building
10700 Page Avenue
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Telephone: 703-246-4849, FAX:
703-246-4872
TTY: 703-385-4419 |
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Code Compliance Guideline
May 2008
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This publication outlines the requirements and limitations
for the retail sale and use of permissible fireworks within
Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and
Vienna. This publication does not address wholesale
fireworks, aerial display
fireworks or indoor pyrotechnic displays.
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For many people, especially children, traditional
Fourth of July celebrations would not be the same
without the excitement and joy of fireworks. However,
celebration can turn into tragedy within seconds if
fireworks are not properly and safely used in accordance
with the law. Each year, many of the personal injuries
caused from fireworks accidents in the Washington
DC Metropolitan area are a direct result of the improper
or illegal use of fireworks. Many of these injuries
are serious, leaving some people with permanent disability.
Many consumer fireworks are not available
for sale in Northern Virginia because they are illegal.
Aerial shells, firecrackers, cherry bombs, roman cadles,
and skyrockets are just a few examples. These fireworks
are often purchased in other localities and are the
most common types associated with fireworks related
injuries.
Because of the potential hazards to
persons and property, the County Fire Marshal strictly
regulates fireworks in Fairfax County and the towns
of Clifton, Herndon and Vienna. Moreover, in accordance
with the Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code, it shall
be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to transport,
manufacture, store, possess, sell, offer for sale, expose
for sale or to buy, use, ignite or explode any fireworks
in these localities. There are, however, exceptions
permitting the retail sale and use of certain approved
fireworks, commonly known as consumer fireworks (Division
1.4G). Consumer fireworks legally permitted for retail
sale and use in Fairfax County are known as permissible
fireworks, the subject of this publication.
|
| - Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention
Code (VSFPC) |
| - Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code (Chapter
62, Code of the County of Fairfax) |
| - National Fire Protection Association Standard
1124 (2003 Edition) |
Use of permissible fireworks must be in accordance
with the Fire Prevention Code, other
applicable laws and regulations, and as outlined in
this publication. In addition, permissible fireworks
may only be sold at retail locations approved by the
County Fire Marshal. Permissible fireworks, and the
use of such fireworks, shall comply with the following:
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A)
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Shall NOT explode. |
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B)
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Shall NOT move or perform as a projectile. |
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C)
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Shall NOT emit flame or sparks to a distance
greater than 5 Meters (16.4 Feet). |
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D)
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Shall NOT be thrown or placed on any surface
or article where it can cause an unwanted fire. |
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E)
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Shall be used only on private property with the
approval of the owner. |
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F)
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During the use of permissible fireworks, minors
shall be supervised by an adult. |
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G)
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Shall NOT use or ignite inside, under, or within
50 feet from any structure. |
| H) |
Shall NOT use or ignite within 100 feet of tents,
canopies, or membrane structures. |
| I) |
Shall NOT use or ignite within 300 feet of all
fireworks retail sales locations including fireworks
stands. |
| J) |
Smoking shall be prohibited inside or within
50 feet of fireworks retail sales areas including
fireworks stands. |
| K) |
Smoking shall be prohibited within 25 feet of
all permissible (consumer) fireworks located outside. |
| L) |
Use of permissible fireworks for any purpose other
than the approved and intended use shall be prohibited.
Fireworks shall be used in accordance with manufacturers'
instructions/directions. |
| M) |
The manufacture of fireworks is prohibited in
Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon,
& Vienna. |
| N) |
Fireworks devices shall NOT be altered or modified.
In addition, the use of pyrotechnic material obtained
through the dismantling of fireworks for the purpose
of building, assembling or fabricating another firework
device, incendiary device or explosive device, is
strictly prohibited. |
| O) |
Fireworks obtained or purchased in other localities
that are not permissible fireworks, as outlined
in this section, shall be prohibited in Fairfax
County. |
Fireworks Accidents. Accidents involving the use of fireworks which
result in personal injury or property damage shall be
immediately reported to the County Fire Marshal. Emergency
situations should be reported by calling 9-1-1. Non-emergency
situations can be reported by calling 703-691-2131.
Notice: A permit is not
required for the supervised use of permissible fireworks
on private property with the consent of the owner of such
property.
The term "firework" does not apply to automobile
flares, paper caps containing not more than an average
of 0.25 grain (16 mg) of explosive content per cap or
toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices utilizing
such caps and items commonly known as party pops, pop
rocks and snap-n-pops.
If you would like to dispose of any illegal or unwanted
fireworks in your possession without penalty, please
contact the County Fire Marshal at 703-246-4849.
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In accordance with the Fire
Prevention Code, it shall be unlawful for any person,
firm or corporation, wholesaler or retailer to sell,
offer for sale or expose for sale any fireworks without
first obtaining a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP)
from the County Fire Marshal. An FPCP must be approved
and issued by the Fire Marshal before a retailer may
recieve, store and sell any quantiy of permissible fireworks.
The sale of approved permissible fireworks is limited
to approved mercantile occupancies
and approved fireworks stands,
and shall be in accordance with the following:
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A)
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Duration of Permit. An FPCP
issued for sale of approved permissible fireworks from a properly permitted Fireworks Wholesaler
shall be valid only for the period beginning June
1 through July 15 of a single year. The sale of
fireworks shall be prohibited at all other times.
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B)
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Sales to Minors Prohibited.
The sale of fireworks to a minor shall be prohibited
unless the minor is accompanied by a parent or legal
guardian. A minor is considered a person less than
18 years of age. Signs shall be provided that clearly
read "Sale of Fireworks to Minors is Prohibited
Unless Accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian".
These signs shall be posted on all sides of fireworks
stands, and at check-out registers or sales counters
in mercantile occupancies. |
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C)
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Property Owner Consent. The
sale or storage of permissible fireworks shall be
prohibited on the property of another without the
express written permission of the property owner.
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D)
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Fixed Locations Only. Retailing
of permissible fireworks shall be done only from
a fixed location. Such locations shall comply with
all jurisdictional rules, regulations, and ordinances
applicable to such sites. The sale of fireworks
from vehicles or mobile trailers is prohibited.
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E)
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Prohibited Locations. No person
shall construct a retail display, nor offer for
sale fireworks upon a highway, a sidewalk, public
property, or in an assembly or educational occupancy.
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F)
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Not Readily Accessible. Fireworks
displayed for retail sale at any location, whether
inside a mercantile occupancy or at a fireworks
stand, shall NOT be readily accessible to the public.
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G)
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Supervision of Fireworks. There
shall be a competent person, at least 18 years of
age, in attendance and in charge of each area where
approved permissible fireworks are displayed for
retail sale during times the retail location is
open to the public. |
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H)
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Protection of Fuses.
All fuses of individual fireworks shall be protected
to prevent accidental ignition by contact with a
spark, smoldering item, or small open flame. |
| I) |
Insurance Required. A permit
for retail sales of approved permissible fireworks
shall be issued only after the applicant files with
the Fire Marshal a certificate of insurance which
shows that the applicant has liability insurance
in the amount of at least $5,000,000 combined single
limit for bodily injury and property damage. This
insurance policy shall become available for the
payment of any damage arising from the acts or omissions
of the applicant, his agents or his employees in
connection with the activities authorized by the
permit. The applicant shall ensure that the insurance
policy is in effect at the time of the commencement
of the activities authorized by the permit, and
remains continuously in effect until such activities
are completed. |
| J) |
Records. Each retailer shall
maintain full and complete records of all purchases
of fireworks. The County Fire Marshal or his designated
agent is authorized to examine the books and records
of any retailer as they relate to the purchases
and sales of fireworks. |
| K) |
Prohibited Delivery. No wholesaler
or distributor shall deliver to any retailer any
fireworks other than permissible fireworks approved
by the County Fire Marshal. |
| L) |
Quantity Limitations. The Fire
Marshal is authorized to limit the quantity of fireworks
permitted at a given location in order to safeguard
life and property from the hazards of fire or explosion.
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| M) |
Posting of Permits. All permits
associated with the retailing of approved permissible
fireworks, including the Fire Prevention Code Permit
(FPCP), shall be displayed in a conspicuous location
at all times. |
| N) |
Open-Flame. A person shall
not take or utilize an open flame or light in a
structure, vessel, boat or other place where highly
flammable, combustible, or explosive material (such
as firworks) is stored. |
Notice: The sale of fireworks is prohibited
in the Town of Vienna. Contact the Town
of Vienna Planning and Zoning Department at 703-255-6341
for additional information.
The 2008
Approved Permissible Fireworks List contains
a complete list of permissible fireworks approved by
the Fairfax County Fire Marshal for retail sales.
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In addition to the general requirements for
the sale of permissible fireworks, the following requirements
and limitations apply specifically to the retail sale
and storage of approved permissible fireworks at approved
mercantile occupancies.
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A)
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The retail sale and associated
storage of approved permissible fireworks inside
a building shall be limited to mercantile occupancies
approved for such use by the Fire Marshal. |
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B)
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Fireworks shall NOT
be displayed or stored in a roofed-over
or covered-mall building. |
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C)
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Only packaged fireworks
merchandise containing approved permissible fireworks
may be offered for retail sale. |
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D)
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Smoking shall be prohibited
inside of mercantile occupancies storing and retailing
fireworks. |
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E)
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"NO SMOKING" signs
shall be placed every 10 feet within the retail
display, sales and storage areas, and
shall be located where they are visible to persons
approaching building entrances. |
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F)
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In addition to the fire
extinguisher requirements for a mercantile occupancy,
a minimum of TWO pressurized water fire extinguishers
(2-A Rating) shall be provided. One extinguisher
shall be located near the retail display area and
the other near the storage area. Each extinguisher
shall be located between 10 to 15 feet from these
fireworks areas. Extinguishers shall be visible
and readily accessible at all times. Employees/Staff
shall be trained to use such portable fire extinguishers. |
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G)
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Storage or retail display
of fireworks is prohibited in main exit access aisles,
corridors, within 5 feet of entrances to exits and
exterior exit doors, and any other location deemed
by the Fire Marshal to be unsafe or potentially
hazardous to life safety. |
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H)
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Use of security devices
affecting the means of egress shall be subject to
approval of the Fire Marshal. Where provided, the
use of delayed egress locking devices on exit doors
serving fireworks storage areas shall be discontinued
if such locking devices are not properly maintained
and/or found at any time not in proper working order.
All elements of the means of egress including exit
accesses, exits or exit discharges shall be continuously
maintained free from obstructions or impediments
to full instant use in the case of fire or other
emergency. |
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I)
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Retail Display
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1.
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In accordance with Section 3308.11.1 of the
Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code, fireworks
displayed for retail sale shall NOT be made
readily accessible to the public. To meet the
intent of this code provision, the following
procedures shall apply:
| a. |
A representative from the store shall
monitor the display of the 1.4G consumer fireworks (permissible
fireworks) to prevent maliciously tampering, attempting to ignite,
or underage accessibility. This store representative may have
other duties or assignments in the immediate area of the approved
fireworks display, i.e. customer service, membership confirmation,
purchase verification, managers kiosk, photo processing, or jewelry
counter security. Due to the nature of the cashier position, this
position would not qualify as an authorized store representative
for the purpose of monitoring the display of 1.4G consumer fireworks. |
| b. |
In addition to the above conditions,
a store security video system shall monitor the fireworks display
during business hours. In times when the store representative's attention
is focused on other duties and cannot monitor the display of fireworks,
the store security video system shall be continuously monitored by store
personnel. This temporary unattended option shall be utilized no longer
than 10 minutes per hour while the store is open to the public. If unable
to comply with this procedure the following requirements shall be
immediately implemented.
The display of fireworks must be constantly supervised by a competent
person and safeguarded behind an approved physical barrier that prevents
tampering or access by unauthorized persons. |
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2.
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Display height shall not exceed
6 feet above the finished floor in display areas.
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3.
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Aisles 4 feet in width shall
be maintained on three sides of the display area.
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4.
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Retail display arrangements shall
be inspected and approved by the Fire Marshal
prior to display and sale of approved permissible
fireworks.
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J)
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Storage
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1.
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The maximum quantity of approved permissible
fireworks allowed in storage shall be limited
to the following:
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| a. |
Section 3301.2.3
of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention
Code authorizes the Fire Marshal to limit
the quantity of fireworks permitted at a
given location. |
| b. |
In Sprinklered
Buildings: 250 pounds NET weight
of pyrotechnic composition of the total
quantity of fireworks in the building including
retail display samples. Where the net weight
of the pyrotechnic composition of the fireworks
is not known, 25 percent of the GROSS weight
of the fireworks including packaging shall
be used as the maximum quantity permitted
(approximately 1000 pounds). |
| c. |
In Non-Sprinklered
Buildings: 125 pounds NET weight
of pyrotechnic composition of the total
quantity of fireworks in the building including
retail display samples. Where the net weight
of the pyrotechnic composition of the fireworks
is not known, 25 percent of the GROSS weight
of the fireworks including packaging shall
be used as the maximum quantity permitted
(approximately 500 pounds). |
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2.
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Arrangement of fireworks in storage shall be
as follows:
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| a. |
Storage and handling
areas shall be secured against unauthorized
entry and safeguarded in a manner approved
by the Fire Marshal. |
| b. |
Incompatible materials in
storage shall be separated by either segregating
the materials by a distance of not less
than 20 feet or by isolating incompatible
materials by a noncombustible partition
extending not less than 18 inches above
and to the sides of the stored materials.
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| c. |
Where applicable, storage
shelving shall be of substantial construction,
and shall be braced and anchored. Shelving
materials must be compatible with the hazardous
materials stored. Shelves shall be provided
with a lip or guard when used for the storage
of individual containers. Shelf storage
of hazardous materials, including fireworks
shall be maintained in an orderly manner.
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| d. |
Storage and display of fireworks
shall not exceed 200 pounds per square foot
of floor area actually occupied by solid
merchandise. |
| e. |
Storage height shall not exceed
8 feet above the finished floor in storage
areas. |
| f. |
Individual containers less
than 25 pounds shall be stored or displayed
on pallets, racks, or shelves. |
| g. |
Except for surfacing, floors
of storage areas shall be of noncombustible
construction. |
| h. |
Aisles 4 feet in width shall
be maintained on three sides of the storage
area. |
| i. |
Storage of combustible materials
or goods above fireworks storage arrangements
is prohibited. |
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3. |
Storage arrangements shall be inspected
and approved by the Fire Marshal prior to receipt
of approved permissible fireworks. |
| K) |
Emergency Planning/Preparedness
& Hazardous Materials Management
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1. |
In accordance with Chapter 4 of the
Fire Prevention Code, a Fire Marshal approved
Fire Safety & Evacuation Plan shall be prepared
and maintained for mercantile occupancies (Group
M Buildings) having an occupant load of 500 or more
persons or more than 100 persons above or below
the lowest level of exit discharge. For additional
information on this requirement, refer to the Fire
Safety & Evacuation Planning publication
for mercantile occupancies (Group M Buildings).
This plan must be approved and in place prior to
approval and issuance of a Fire Prevention Code
Permit (FPCP) for the retail sale of permissible
fireworks. |
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2. |
Each application for a Fire Prevention
Code Permit (FPCP) shall include a Hazardous Materials
Inventory Statement (HMIS) and a Hazardous Materials
Management Plan (HMMP). These two plans may be combined
into one and shall include the following: |
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| a. |
A legible facility
floor plan (scaled or dimensional) that clearly
shows the location of all designated exits
and corridors, pathways and aisles leading
thereto from all fireworks display and storage
areas. The plan must also designate both primary
and secondary evacuation routes from fireworks
display and storage areas. |
| b. |
The facility floor plan must
show all fireworks retail display and storage
areas. |
| c. |
The facility floor plan must
show the location of all portable fire extinguishers.
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| d. |
Storage plan showing the quantities
and arrangement of fireworks stored inside
the building including the location and dimensions
of aisles in storage areas. |
| e. |
An inventory list of all approved
permissible fireworks to be stored for retail
sale. |
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3. |
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
shall be readily available on the premises for fireworks
and all other hazardous materials regulated by the
Fire Prevention Code. MSDS shall be located near
the front main entrance so as to be readily available
to responders. |
| |
4. |
NFPA 704 hazard identification signs/placards
shall be posted at the front and rear entrances
to the building and at the entrances to fireworks
storage areas. Each placard shall reflect the levels
of highest hazards specific to the materials within
the building. |
| |
5. |
Individual containers, cartons, or
packages shall be conspicuously marked or labeled
in an approved manner. Signs and markings required
shall not be obscured or removed, shall be in English
as a primary language, shall be durable, and the
size, color, and lettering shall be approved. |
| |
6. |
Persons responsible for the operation
of areas in which fireworks are stored or handled
shall be familiar with the chemical nature of the
materials and the appropriate mitigating actions
necessary in the event of fire or spill. |
| |
7. |
Responsible persons shall be designated
and trained to be liaison personnel to the fire
department. These persons shall aid the fire department
in preplanning emergency responses and identifying
the locations where fireworks and other hazardous
materials are located, and shall have access to
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and be knowledgeable
in the site's emergency response procedures. |
| L) |
Fire Marshal Inspection
& Final Approval
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| |
1. |
Initial Inspection: The initial inspection
involves a complete inspection of the occupancy including
proposed fireworks retail display and storage areas.
Where required, and if not already done, a Fire Safety
& Evacuation Plan must be completed and submitted
for review and approval by the Fire Marshal. |
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2. |
Final Inspection: The final inspection
serves as a follow-up to the initial inspection
and has a five-fold purpose: 1) To verify that previously
noted fire code violations are corrected; 2) To
verify that an approved Fire Safety & Evacuation
Plan is on location and employees and staff have
been trained accordingly; 3) To verify that the
storage of approved permissible fireworks in both
retail display and storage areas meets the intent
of the Fire Prevention Code and is in accordance
with the approved facility floor plan; 4) To verify
the fireworks being sold are permissible fireworks
approved by the County Fire Marshal; 5) To ensure
the retail sales operation is in accordance with
the requirements of the Fire Prevention Code. |
| |
3. |
Final Approval: Final approval is granted
upon issuance of a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP). |
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4.
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All mercantile occupancies approved
for retailing fireworks are subject to periodic
spot inspections.
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WARNING: If the premises
or building where approved permissible fireworks are
to be sold has outstanding fire code violations, approval
may not be granted by the Fire Marshal until such fire
code violations and hazardous conditions are corrected
or abated. Please take the time to inspect the premises
or building and correct any violations in advance of
seeking approval for retail sales of fireworks. To assist
you in the self-inspection process, you may utilize
the Fire Code Self-Inspection
Guideline (PDF) publication for mercantile occupancies
accessible from this site.
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In addition to the general requirements
for the sale of permissible fireworks, the following requirements
and limitations apply specifically to the retail sale and
storage of approved permissible fireworks at approved fireworks
stands.
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A)
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Fairfax County
Zoning Permit: Either a Temporary
Special Permit (TSP) or a 21-Day Non-Residential
Use Permit (Non-RUP) is required to establish and
operate a fireworks stand in Fairfax County. TSPs
and 21-Day Non-RUPs are issued by the Fairfax County
Department of Planning & Zoning Permit Review
Branch, and must be obtained before approval can be
granted by the Fire Marshal for the retail sales of
permissible fireworks at a fireworks stand. To verify
which type of zoning permit is required to establish
a particular fireworks stand, contact the Zoning Permit
Review Branch at 703-324-1359. |
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B)
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Town of Herndon Zoning
Permit: A permit for temporary use is required
to establish and operate a fireworks stand in the
Town of Herndon . A permit for temporary use is issued
by the Town of Herndon Department of Community Development
and must be obtained before approval can be granted
by the Fire Marshal for the retail sales of permissible
fireworks at a fireworks stand. For additional information,
contact the Town of Herndon at 703-787-7380.
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C)
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Smoking shall be prohibited within
50 feet of fireworks stands. |
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D)
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"NO SMOKING" signs
shall be placed every 10 feet within the sales area
and shall be located where visible
to persons approaching the stand from any direction.
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E)
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A minimum of one pressurized
water fire extinguisher (2-A Rating) shall be provided
at each fireworks stand and shall be located between
10 to 15 feet from the retail display area. Extinguishers
shall be visible and readily accessible at all times.
Stand attendants shall be trained to use such portable
fire extinguishers. |
|
F)
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Stands shall NOT be less than
30 feet away from any building. In addition, stands
shall not be located in such a manner as to violate
any separation distances spectified by the Zoning
Ordinance of the locality where the stand is placed. |
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G)
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Stands shall NOT be less than
30 feet away from any interior lot line. In addition,
stands shall not be located in such a manner as to
violate any set back requirements specified by the
Zoning Ordinance of the locality where the stand is
placed. |
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H)
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Stands located within 100 feet
of any building or structure shall have all sides facing
the exposed building or structure enclosed with an approved
substantial material that will satisfactorily deflect
the discharge of any fireworks. |
|
I)
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Stands shall NOT be located
on any property where Class I flammable or Class II
combustible liquids are stored or within 100 feet of
where these liquids are dispensed. |
| J) |
Areas located within 30 feet
of a fireworks stand shall be kept free of accumulated
dry grass, dry brush, and combustible materials capable
of causing the spread of fire. |
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K)
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Stands shall NOT be located
in a manner that would obstruct emergency vehicle access
routes including entrances to premises, lots, parking
aisles, or designated fire lanes. |
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L)
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Retail Display &
Storage Arrangements: |
|
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1.
|
In accordance with Section
3308.11.1 of the Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code,
fireworks displayed for retail sale shall NOT be made
readily accessible to the public. To meet the intent
of this provision, fireworks shall be displayed in a
manner that prevents the fireworks from being handled
by persons other than those operating, supervising,
or working in the fireworks stand. This requirement
does not apply to packaged assortments, boxes, or similarly
packaged containers of one or more items, regardless
of type. |
|
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2.
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Fireworks stands shall be secured when
unoccupied and not open for business, unless fireworks
are not kept in the fireworks stand during such times.
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3.
|
Fueled equipment, such as portable generators,
shall NOT be stored, operated or repaired within a fireworks
stand. The Fire Marshal is authorized to require removal
of fueled equipment from locations where the presence
of such equipment is determined to be hazardous. |
| |
4. |
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for
fireworks shall be readily available on the premises.
|
| |
5. |
Persons responsible for the operation of
areas in which fireworks are stored or handled shall
be familiar with the chemical nature of the materials
and the appropriate mitigating actions necessary in
the event of fire or spill. |
| |
6. |
Responsible persons shall be designated
and trained to be liaison personnel to the fire department.
These persons shall aid the fire department in preplanning
emergency responses and identifying the locations where
fireworks and other hazardous materials are located,
and shall have access to Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) and be knowledgeable in the site's emergency
response procedures. |
|
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7.
|
Display and storage arrangements shall
be inspected and approved by the Fire Marshal prior
to receipt, display and sale of approved permissible
fireworks |
|
M)
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Fire Marshal Inspection
& Final Approval
|
|
|
1. |
Initial Inspection: In addition to verifying
the suitability of the stand for retailing fireworks,
the initial inspection involves a site inspection
at the location of the proposed fireworks stand to
determine compliance with the Fire Prevention Code
with respect to the distance of the stand from other
structures, potential hazards, and fire department
access routes. |
|
|
2. |
Final Inspection: The final inspection
serves as a follow-up to the initial inspection and
has a two-fold purpose: 1) To verify the fireworks
being sold are permissible fireworks approved by the
County Fire Marshal; 2) To ensure the retail sales
operation is in accordance with the requirements of
the Fire Prevention Code. |
|
|
3. |
Final Approval: Final approval is granted
upon issuance of a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP). |
|
|
4. |
All fireworks stands approved for
retailing fireworks are subject to periodic spot inspections.
|
|
Application for a Fire Prevention Code
Permit (FPCP) for the retail sale of approved permissible
fireworks shall be filed with the Fire Marshal no later
than:
MAY 15, 2008
FPCP Applications:
Retail Sales -
Mercantile Occupancies (PDF)
Retail Sales - Fireworks
Stands (PDF)
An FPCP application must be filed for each
proposed fireworks retail sales location and must include
the following:
Mercantile Occupancies |
|
A)
|
THREE (3) copies of a facility floor
plan and all specified emergency planning and hazardous
materials management information. |
|
B)
|
THREE (3) copies of the Certificate
of Insurance indicating a MINIMUM of a five million
dollar ($5,000,000) liability insurance which applies
to the sale and storage of approved permissible
fireworks. |
|
C)
|
ONE (1) notarized and TWO (2) copies
of a letter from the owner of the property granting
permission for the sale of fireworks by the applicant
on said property. |
|
D)
|
THREE (3) copies of the building
commercial occupancy permit (NON-Rup, Zoning Permit,
etc.) |
|
E)
|
ONE (1) copy of the approved Fire Safety &
Evacuation Plan for mercantile occupancies requiring
such a plan.
|
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F)
|
ONE (1) copy of the Wholesale Fireworks
Permit or permit number.
|
Fireworks Stands |
| A) |
THREE (3) plats of the property indicating
the location of the stand and distances from all adjacent
buildings and structures within 300 feet, two closest
fire hydrants, all vehicle access and parking areas,
and all lot lines. |
| B) |
THREE (3) copies of a structural plan
indicating the dimensions and materials used to construct
the stand. |
| C) |
THREE (3) copies of the Certificate
of Insurance indicating a MINIMUM of a five million
dollar ($5,000,000) liability insurance which applies
to the sale and storage of approved permissible
fireworks. |
| D) |
ONE (1) notarized and TWO (2) copies
of a letter from the owner of the property granting
permission for the sale of fireworks by the applicant
on said property. |
|
E)
|
THREE (3) copies of an approved Temporary
Special Zoning Permit (TSP) or 21-Day Non-RUP for
Fairfax County locations or a Temporary Zoning Permit
for locations in the Town of Herndon. |
|
F)
|
ONE (1) copy of the Wholesale Fireworks
Permit or permit number. |
Every application must include a complete inventory
list of approved permissible fireworks to be sold. This
list must include the name of each firework device,
vendor/wholesaler name, and manufacturer item number.
Only fireworks listed in the 2008
Approved Permissible Fireworks List will
be permitted for retail sale.
Notice: The actual retail sales location/address
must be the same on all documentation including the
zoning permit, property owner permission letter, and
certificate of insurance before a Fire Prevention Code
Permit (FPCP) application will be processed.
A check or money order payable to “County of
Fairfax ” for the amount of $600.00 must
be included with each application for a retail sales location.
Completed applications, fees, and all required documentation
should be submitted to the following address:
|
Fairfax County Fire &
Rescue Department
Fire Prevention Division - Revenue & Records
Branch
10700 Page Avenue
Fairfax , VA 22030
ATTN: Fireworks Coordinator |
Applications will be processed within
seven (7) business days upon receipt at the Fire Prevention
Division. Applications will be considered “Incomplete”
if all required documentation is not provided or is
inadequate in content.
QUESTIONS about the application
process?
Please contact the Fire Inspections Branch at 703-246-4849,
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
|
|
|
|
A)
|
Never allow young children to play with or ignite
fireworks.
|
|
B)
|
Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before
buying or using them.
|
|
C)
|
Avoid buying or handling fireworks that come packaged
in brown paper as this can often be a sign that
the fireworks are commercial or display type fireworks
made for professional fireworks shows. These fireworks
can pose a serious danger to consumers and the public.
|
|
D)
|
Adults should always supervise activities involving
the use of permissible fireworks. Parents often
do not realize there are more injuries from sparklers
to children under five than from any other type
of firework. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about
2,000 degrees which is hot enough to melt some metals.
|
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E)
|
Never have any portion of your body directly over
a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
|
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F)
|
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that
have not fully functioned.
|
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G)
|
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
|
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H)
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Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in
case of fire or other mishap.
|
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I)
|
Light one firework at a time, then back to a safe
distance immediately after lighting.
|
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J)
|
Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them
off in metal or glass containers.
|
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K)
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When using permissible fireworks, place the device
on a flat surface, clear of any combustible material
and clear of all buildings (50 feet).
|
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L)
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Keep all bystanders at least 25 feet away from
fireworks.
|
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M)
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Read the directions.
|
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N)
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Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
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Fairfax County is committed to a policy
of nondiscrimination in all county programs, services and activities and will
provide this document in alternative formats and in different languages upon
request. Please call 703-246-4753 (TTY: 711 or 1-800-828-1140) or write: Office of the
Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Division, 10700 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA
22030. Please allow at least seven working days for preparation of material.
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