Public Fire Works

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

  1. 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.
  2. Product and Packaging Standards:
    • Products, packaging, and, where applicable, transport vehicles must be clearly labeled in accordance with UN and other international regulations.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Enhanced Safety Requirements:
    • Public safety services can demand stricter safety standards if existing measures are deemed insufficient.
  3. 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

  1. International Standards:
    • Adherence to the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and relevant international protocols is mandatory.
  2. National and Regional Compliance:
    • Producers, distributors, and users must follow applicable national and regional regulations regarding Class 1 dangerous goods.
  3. Liability and Enforcement:
    • Authorities must ensure compliance through regular audits and enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for violations.