Applying for a fireworks operator licence

Applying for a fireworks operator licence

Fireworks operator licence - application form - 73 Kb

This form or template is required to apply for a fireworks operator licence.

When is this licence required?

A fireworks operator licence is needed to:

  • possess, set up and initiate outdoor fireworks at a display covered under a fireworks event permit (while under the employ or supervision of a licensed fireworks contractor)
  • initiate firecracker chains at ceremonial occasions under a ceremonial fireworks notice provided to the WA Police and the local council
  • initiate indoor fireworks under a permit issued by Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

The fireworks operator licence is issued for five years.

The fireworks operator licence does not allow the holder to purchase fireworks or apply for a fireworks event permit.

Who can apply?

Only individuals, not companies or businesses, can be licensed.

The applicant must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • hold a current dangerous goods security card or recognised security clearance
  • pass a medical assessment against the standards in Assessing Fitness to Drive - Medical Standards for Commercial and Private Vehicle Drivers not more than six months before the day the application is lodged
  • possess competencies acceptable to the department’s Chief Dangerous Goods Officer.

Security clearance

Medical fitness

Dangerous goods and explosives licences medical certificate – application form - 86 Kb

Print out the dangerous goods and explosives licence medical certificate and take to your medical practitioner to complete. When making an appointment with your medical practitioner, inform them the medical assessment is for a dangerous goods licence.

Competency

A detailed summary of your experience to demonstrate your competency in the safe handling of pyrotechnic devices.

Competency for fireworks operator licence - information sheet - 100 Kb

A fireworks operator licence states the types and/or size of fireworks that may be initiated appropriate to the level of knowledge and practical experience previously gained.

Mutual recognition

If you are not resident in Western Australia, but hold a fireworks operator licence in another State or Territory of Australia, or New Zealand, you may apply for mutual recognition of that licence.

For information on mutual recognition refer to Applying for mutual recognition.

Required information

Applications for a fireworks operator licence must be accompanied by specific information.

Before completing your application, ensure you have the documents described in Fireworks operator licence - general information and summarised.

Fireworks operator licence - general information - 60 Kb

The following information is to guide you on the requirements for applying for and renewing fireworks operator licences.

Item Document details    Date before lodgement
Competency training
  • detailed summary of your experience in fireworks events you have participated in, the fireworks permit number, and the level of involvement in the events
  • references from your employer(s) to support the claim
  • training completed in other jurisdictions of Australia will be accepted, but is not mandatory.
  • Certificate of Attainment (if applicable)
 
Medical certificate Assessed against the standards in Assessing Fitness to Drive – Medical Standards for Commercial and Private Vehicle Drivers 2022. Not more than 6 months
Photograph Colour passport photo Recent
Relevant offence

Original or certified copies of documents detailing any conviction and/or charge pending relating to a relevant offence

 
Dangerous goods security card Colour copy of both sites of a valid WA dangerous goods security card or interstate equivalent  
Proof of identity

Colour copy of both sides of your motor driver’s licence (MDL) from any Australian State or Territory or New Zealand or:

  • WA photo card
  • Australian or international passport
  • Licence or permit issued by an Australian State or Territory or New Zealand
  • Proof of age card
 

 

 

The completed and signed application must be lodged with the supporting documentation, which is:

  • the original or the original certified document (where a copy is requested this does not apply)
  • dated not more than six months before the day your application is received by the department.

 

Failure to provide the required documentation will delay processing of applications. Most applications are dealt with within 30 business days.

Application fee

The licence fee payable covers the 5 year period of the licence.

Go to Schedule of fees and charges for more information on licence fees.

Lodging the application

The completed and signed application form must be accompanied by:

  • required information
  • the fee

this can be paid by credit card (details on application form)
by cheque made payable to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
cash payments can only be made when lodging in person.

Mailed to:
Dangerous Goods Licensing
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Locked Bag 100
East Perth WA 6892

Lodged in person:
303 Sevenoaks Street (entrance via Grose Avenue)
Cannington WA 6107

Related information

Notification of changes of details

The Chief Dangerous Goods Officer must be notified within 14 days of any material changes to the details on a licence or registration.

Reporting an incident

Fireworks operators are responsible for reporting accidents and incidents arising from their activities, including unexplained losses or theft.

Other guidance

Code of practice - Safe use of outdoor fireworks in Western Australia - 2787 Kb

This code of practice covers the safe use of outdoor firework, including firework equipment, workshop operations and events.

Fireworks operator licence - general information - 60 Kb

The following information is to guide you on the requirements for applying for and renewing fireworks operator licences.

Overview of explosives regulations - information sheet - 267 Kb

This document is for guidance only and the definitive statutory requirements are contained in the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007 (the Explosives Regulations).

Applicable legislation

Contact details

For any enquiries please contact Dangerous Goods Licensing:
Phone: (08) 6251 2300
Email: cso@dmirs.wa.gov.au