3 comments so far.Inquiry recommends 24 proposals on firework safety
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An independent Board of inquiry on accidents in fireworks factories, which was commissioned by the Government, has handed its findings to Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.
The board was chaired by Prof. Alfred Vella and the other members were Prof. Axiak Victor (Deputy Chairman), Mr Joe Theuma (member) and Mr Delicata Servolo (member).
The inquiry was called for following various firework factory explosions last year, including Gharb, where in September 2010 six people tragically lost their lives
The report said that investigations into the cause of that explosion and a number of others that occurred over the last 30 years have highlighted several facts from “improper use of volatile chemical mixtures to human error.”
Prof. Alfred Vella said that, “accidents have increased over the years and will continue to rise if there is no change in the rules for the use of pyrotechnic material.”
From 1981 to the present day, the report said that there had been 63 deaths associated with pyrotechnics. Prof Vella, had made several recommendations, which included the setting up of a testing centre for chemicals, the banning of the mixture of potassium chlorate with metals, a limitation of the use of potassium perchlorate, improvement in the transport of fireworks, including the setting up of fire barriers within the transport vehicles and testing of chemicals imported for use in fireworks factories. The Prof also said that Malta is using some chemicals that have been banned in other countries. In its report the committee recommended 24 proposals.
There are 39 firework factories in Malta and Gozo, and another three MEPA applications to rebuild the rooms demolished over the years together with an application for a new one. During the time of the inquiry, 50 Type A licenses and 500 Type B licenses were issued.
A full copy of the report in Maltese is available for download here.
Firework factory explosions – AD calls for swift action
AD reacted to the report stating that the ” firework factory explosions vindicate Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party’s long held position on the issue.”
Ralph Cassar, AD spokesperson on Energy, Industry and Transport said, “The press has reported that it is indeed the particular dangerous chemical mixtures which have caused the devastating explosions. Others have ignored these incidents, because of electoral considerations on some districts. Excessive risk taking should be controlled because of the lack of space in this country.”
“Regarding the recommendation to increase firework factories in order to spread dispersal, the report does not take into account the lack of space and land use issues in Malta, and assumes that the amount of fireworks manufactured will remain the same. If the current factories are already over producing these are increasing the danger and risks. In that case the quota of firework material for each factory should be revised and the amount of fireworks manufactured should be reduced accordingly.”
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson called on government to implement the report’s main recommendations immediately. He said, “Any discussions should lead to a strict timeframe for implementation of the recommendations. No attempts at derailing the implementation should be tolerated.”
Hello,
interesting reading. The conclusion of this report should be the following:
No more Potassium Chlorate allowed in Malta to manufacture fireworks, Potassium Perchlorate to be used in place of. As a bonus to the safety aspect, you can even produce better colour by using it….!!
Potassium Perchlorate is more expensive to purchase, but safety is paramount when manufacturing pyrotechnics.
Nigel Village, UK.
SO may be some people know me , I worked for three years in a pyrotechnic company in Germany, my work there was research and development, mostly in the laboratory checking all the materials delivered if they are equivalent to the data sheets. ALSO testing new compositions ( mostly colour and glitter effects) So I think I know something about chemicals and the laws in Germany and Europe. In the meeting that was held this week in Malta, the board mentioned allot Germany and there pyrotechnic laws.IT will be nice to have Factory’s like over there but we must be realistic and they (the board)should know like me that its nearly impossible to have such factory here in our island witch is one of the best if not the best pyro manufacturer in the world. I have many Ideas that are practical for Malta about safety but this is not something to start writing about it on air . One thing I say about the first step of safety a hard law to stop mixing chlorate’s with metals . If this is done than I say , yes Malta is getting smart in the safety of pyrotechnics. Without this law for me there is no need to discus any other regulations about safety of PYROTECHNICS.
I trust Steven C. when you say “Chlorates with metals” you mean the chemicals Barium Chlorate and Potassium Chlorate….the reason I say this is I can confirm to you that the chemical Potassium Perchlorate (KCLO4) is acceptable to mix with metal powder
in the Pyrotechnic / Firework industry throughout today and one must not be confused with this.
Nigel Village, UK