The possession, use, storage and transport of display fireworks is restricted to individuals holding a:
- pyrotechnician's licence
- fireworks (single use) licence.
There are safety and security requirements for the storage of fireworks depending on the amount and type of fireworks to be stored. Licences are also required to:
- handle fireworks without supervision
- manufacture fireworks
- sell fireworks.
Notifications and operational conditions must be complied with when carrying out fireworks displays.
Pyrotechnician's licence
A pyrotechnician's licence authorises you to put on fireworks displays and provide training for a single use fireworks licence.
Licence requirements
Licence applicants must:
WorkCover may suspend or cancel a licence or impose penalties on licence holders who do not comply with the conditions of the licence or requirements in the legislation.
Applying for a pyrotechnician's licence
Step 1
Complete the Application for a pyrotechnician's licence form.
Step 2
Take the completed application form to an Australia Post Bank@Post™ office along with required documents. These include:
- certified copies of all explosives permits and/or licences and/or qualifications either issued by WorkCover NSW or by another licensing authority or recognised institution (if applicable)
- a Unsupervised handling licence application form or copy of your current unsupervised handling licence. The original unsupervised handling licence must be shown to Australia Post when lodging this application.
- a National criminal history record check form (P877) if you do not hold a current unsupervised handling licence
- proof of identity documents (originals only) showing your full name, photo, date of birth, signature and current address to the value of 100 points
- two passport size and quality photograph of yourself with your name and date of birth printed on the back.
The cost is $250 (GST free).
You must advise WorkCover within 14 days of any changes to your licence details.
If you hold a current permit or licence from another state you may be issued with an equivalent NSW licence to discharge pyrotechnics / fireworks based on the same types/categories as authorised by the interstate permit or licence.
For more information see the Guide to Applying for a Pyrotechnician's Licence or call 13 10 50.
Amending a pyrotechnician's licence
For changes to authorisations such as additional fireworks classes use the Application for an amendment to a pyrotechnician's licence.
Single use fireworks licence
Single use fireworks licences will only be issued for a legitimate reason such as an organised public display that is open to the public. The display must be organised by a community or private organisation for a show, fete, carnival, cultural, religious or sporting event.
Single use fireworks licences may be used for a single event of up to three consecutive days or extended displays. Extended display is a display that is more than three consecutive days and limited to three months for an organised public display or 12 months for a theatrical display made by the same applicant for the same location.
You will need to discuss your requirements with the supplier before applying for the licence. You must ensure you receive instruction in the safe use of the fireworks from the supplier. The Guide for fireworks (single use) licence applicants provides more information.
WorkCover will not issue a licence unless you can demonstrate that you have notified the police, fire brigades and local council as well as any other relevant agencies.
The cost is $50 (GST free).
Call 13 10 50 for more information about fireworks.