Fireworks in the city: how to equip yourself to reduce risks

Used in direct fire during riots, firework mortars project burning fragments and generate a blast capable of causing serious injuries. This guide details a coherent PPE ensemble (helmet + riot visor, fire-resistant neck protection, NIJ 3A vest with integrated anti-trauma plate, polycarbonate shield) and explains why these choices effectively reduce risk.

1) Understanding the Real Threat

• Hot fragments & debris: bomb shards, tube residue, incandescent projections.

• Blunt force trauma: low/medium velocity projectiles, impacts to the face or chest.

• Short-range blast: soft tissue injuries, internal contusions.

• Bright flash & sparks: superficial burns, glare.

PPE implication: protect head/face, neck and torso, with materials resistant to heat and fragments.

2) The Core of Protection

2.1 Helmet with Riot Visor

• Hard shell (composite/ABS): dissipates blunt force trauma.

• Treated polycarbonate visor: barrier against shards and hot projections; anti-scratch/anti-fog to maintain vision.

• Option: certified ballistic visor (depending on mission) to complement standard riot gear.

Note: a riot visor is not designed to stop high-velocity firearm ammunition.

2.2 Fire-resistant Neck Protector (aramid)

• FR Aramid (Kevlar®, Twaron®/Nomex®): limits the spread of burns and stops small shards.

• Ergonomic cut: compatible with helmet/vest, maintaining breathability and mobility.

2.3 NIJ 3A Ballistic Vest with Integrated Anti-Trauma Plate

• 360° coverage of the torso against fragments and slow projectiles.

• Materials:

  • Aramid: excellent against heat/abrasion, robust against shards.

  • UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene): lighter, hydrophobic, very good against blunt force.

• Integrated anti-trauma plate: reduces backface deformation (BFD) and thus internal contusions.

2.4 Riot Control Shield (polycarbonate)

• Resistance to repeated impacts and surface heat.

• Transparency: maintains vision and unit cohesion.

• Complementarity: protects head/torso, combines with NIJ 3A vest for frontal coverage.

3) Aramid vs UHMWPE: Which to Choose?

Practical Recommendation: for long or dynamic missions, favor UHMWPE NIJ 3A with integrated anti-trauma plate; for very hot/spark-intensive environments, aramid retains a thermal advantage.

4) Typical Configurations by Terrain

• Urban patrol / crowd control: helmet + riot visor, aramid neck protector, NIJ 3A UHMWPE vest with anti-trauma plate, polycarbonate shield as support.

• Private security at events: discreet NIJ 3A vest (UHMWPE) + thin fire-resistant neck protector; face protection via ballistic glasses if no visor.

• Increased risk interventions: consider certified ballistic visor, fire-resistant gloves, flame-retardant outer jacket.

5) Best Practices for Use & Maintenance

• Systematic inspection after exposure (visor: micro-cracks, vest: outer shell, seams, anti-trauma plate).

• Replacement of soft panels or visor in case of significant impact or visible deterioration.

• Gentle cleaning (lukewarm water/sponge); no solvents. Air dry, store flat (vests/plates).

• Compatibility: check helmet-collar-vest fit to avoid gaps.

6) Clothing, Standards & Transparency

• Riot control clothing: prioritize fire-resistant textiles and compatible accessories (radio, ventilation, markings).

• Reference standards: NIJ 0101.06 (3A), impact/fragmentation tests, European standards on heat and shock resistance.

• Clear message: no PPE makes you invulnerable; it reduces the risk and severity of injuries if it is certified, well-fitted, and maintained.

Conclusion

Against direct-fire fireworks, the most effective response remains a coherent ensemble: helmet + riot visor, aramid neck protector, NIJ 3A vest (aramid or UHMWPE depending on thermal/weight priority) with integrated anti-trauma plate, and polycarbonate shield as support. This combination significantly limits burns, shards, and blunt force trauma, without sacrificing mobility.