
1. Problem
Public fireworks contribute to various risks and negative impacts, including:
- Environmental Pollution: Production of harmful air pollutants, particularly fine dust, which locally exceeds WHO standards.
- Health Hazards: Severe injuries, such as loss of eyesight or limbs, placing strain on public health services.
- Operational Strain: Increased workload and costs for police, fire, and public safety services.
- Psychological Impact: Fear and post-traumatic stress for refugees with war-related trauma.
- Animal Welfare: Significant stress and fear for various animal species.
- Littering: Accumulation of trash in public and natural spaces.
2. Safety Concept
2.1 Prevention
- Compliance with Regulations:
- All entities involved in the production, sale, transport, or use of Class 1 dangerous goods (including fireworks) must comply with UN recommendations and other relevant international and national regulations.
- A documented safety concept must be available for review by public authorities and signed by a responsible individual.
- Product and Packaging Standards:
- Products, packaging, and, where applicable, transport vehicles must be clearly labeled in accordance with UN and other international regulations.
- Regional Oversight:
- Regional authorities must regulate and approve the production, sale, transport, and use of Class 1 dangerous goods.
- Approvals will be granted only when safety concepts meet stringent criteria to protect human life, animals, and the environment while minimizing fire spread risks.
- Fire Spread Risks:
- If fire spread risks cannot be mitigated, the extra risk must be managed by a commercial fire service.
- For public-interest events such as local festivals, public safety services may assume this responsibility.
2.2 Resilience
- Risk Mitigation for Affected Populations:
- Ensure resources for mental health support to alleviate fear and trauma for vulnerable populations, including refugees and animal welfare concerns.
- Provide public awareness campaigns on minimizing risks and promoting safe practices during fireworks events.
- Infrastructure Adaptation:
- Designate safe zones for firework displays to reduce harm to animals, humans, and the environment.
- Implement rapid cleanup protocols to address litter and waste.
2.3 Intervention
- Public Safety Notification:
- Authorities must be informed of all activities involving the production, sale, transport, or use of Class 1 dangerous goods in their jurisdiction.
- Enhanced Safety Requirements:
- Public safety services can demand stricter safety standards if existing measures are deemed insufficient.
- Exemptions for Low-Risk Deliveries:
- Deliveries of Class 1.6 goods below thresholds set by UN and other international regulations are exempt from prior approval.
3. Legal Requirements
- International Standards:
- Adherence to the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and relevant international protocols is mandatory.
- National and Regional Compliance:
- Producers, distributors, and users must follow applicable national and regional regulations regarding Class 1 dangerous goods.
- Liability and Enforcement:
- Authorities must ensure compliance through regular audits and enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for violations.