Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 10-209 - Safety requirements for personnel(a)(1) The licensee shall designate an employee in each fireworks plant as safety officer.(2) When an employee of a fireworks plant begins employment in the fireworks plant and at least annually thereafter, the safety officer shall instruct the employee formally about: (i) the provisions of this subtitle;(ii) regulations adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission;(iii) proper methods and procedures in fireworks plants;(iv) safety requirements and procedures for handling explosives and fireworks; and(v) other subjects that the State Fire Prevention Commission requires.(3) After receiving each course of instruction, the employee shall sign a statement that the employee: (i) has received instruction in the subjects required under paragraph (2) of this subsection; and(ii) understands the requirements for safe practices.(4) The statement required under paragraph (3) of this subsection shall be: (i) filed in the personnel records of the fireworks plant; and(ii) made available for inspection by the State Fire Marshal.(b) A licensee shall post conspicuously in each building signs stating the maximum number of workers and visitors who may be present in the building at any one time.(c)(1) A licensee shall:(i) provide cotton working uniforms and conductive shoes to each individual working in a mixing building and press building in a fireworks plant;(ii) provide facilities for: 1. individuals to change into and out of uniforms; and2. the safekeeping of clothing;(iii) wash uniforms frequently to prevent the accumulation of explosive composition on the uniforms; and(iv) provide for employees washing and showering facilities designated by the Secretary of Health.(2)(i) Each individual working in a mixing building and press building in a fireworks plant shall wear the cotton uniforms and conductive shoes that the licensee provides.(ii) Each individual working in a production building in a fireworks plant shall wear the type of eye protection designated by the Secretary of Health.(iii) Each individual working in a mixing area in a fireworks plant shall wear the type of respirator designated by the Secretary of Health.(3) An individual may not wear the uniform outside the fireworks plant.(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not smoke or carry a lighted pipe, cigarette, cigar, match, lighter, or open flame inside the fence of a fireworks plant.(2) A licensee may allow smoking in:(i) an office building; or(ii) another building if:1. the building is used exclusively as a lunchroom or for rest rooms; and2. the presence of fireworks or any explosive composition in the building is prohibited.(3) The licensee shall mark locations in which smoking is authorized.(4) Smoking locations shall contain:(i) suitable receptacles for cigarette and cigar butts and pipe heels; and(ii) at least one serviceable fire extinguisher of a type that is acceptable to the State Fire Marshal.(5) A person whose clothing is so contaminated with explosives or other dangerous materials as to possibly endanger the safety of other fireworks plant personnel may not be allowed in a smoking location.(e)(1) A person may not bring into a finishing and assembling building, press building, mixing building, or storage building: (i) a match, cigarette lighter, or other flame-producing device; or(ii) a key, knife, coin, or other personal article made of metal.(2) A person shall only use properly maintained and nonferrous safety hand tools in any area of a fireworks plant in which there is a danger that materials may be ignited by sparks.(f) A person may not: (1) enter or attempt to enter a fireworks plant while:(i) possessing liquor or narcotics; or(ii) under the influence of liquor or narcotics; or(2) consume intoxicants or narcotics while in a fireworks plant.